William (Bill) Joyce passed away May 24, 2016, at age 81. Joyce valiantly suffered with Parkinson’s disease for 16 years. Because he was so lovingly cared for by Carrie, his wife of 27 years, he was able to stay in their home until his very last days.
Bill was the youngest of five sons, born to Irish immigrant parents that came from Joyce Country of Ireland in 1922. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Margaret Joyce, and brothers Michael and James (Jimmy).
He is survived by his loving wife, Carrie, and five stepchildren, Scott, Wendy, Craig, Dede and Brad; and eight grandchildren, Kenedy, Kirra, Brooke, Alexa, Kyler, Piper, Kaden, and Reillie. He is also survived by his brothers John and Tom Joyce.
Joyce was a quiet man with a brilliant mind. He had a phenomenal memory and the ability to answer questions on just about any subject. In fact, even in recent years, he could recall with perfect accuracy the 1946 Chicago Cubs lineup. After high school, at age 18 in 1953, he played baseball for the New York Yankees. He was injured after one season and took the advice of Mickey Mantle, who recommended that he retire that same year.
After his baseball career ended, he joined the U.S. Air Force. While in military service, he was a propeller specialist, flying around the world repairing propellers. Joyce returned to college after four years in the military and earned his degree in aeronautical engineering. He then went on to work for Douglas Aircraft where he worked on the Delta rocket.
An avid athlete, Joyce taught mountaineering for the Los Angeles Sierra Club, and ran many marathons in his lifetime.
In 1988, Joyce met and fell in love with Carrie Wallace and they were married on April 29, 1989. They shared many wonderful memories hiking, biking and walking on the beach as well as travelling to over 75 countries. Joyce was a faithful committed husband and loving grandpa.
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, June 4, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 428 Park Ave., with a lunch reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 9353 Bolsa Ave., #A21, Westminster, Calif., 92683, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
