Jack R. Joyce's Obituary
JOYCE, Jack R., age 86, of Wilmington, formerly of Corwin, Lebanon, and Spring Hill, Florida, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Wilmington Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Alongside his beloved wife, Shirley, Jack proudly owned and operated Joyce Cleaning Service, a business they built together and faithfully served their community through for nearly 40 years. Their business reflected not only their strong work ethic, but also the partnership and devotion they shared throughout their 55 years of marriage. Jack was also a faithful attendee of Clarksville Pentecostal Church for more than 37 years, where his relationship with the Lord remained the foundation of his life.
Jack was known for his warm heart, quick wit, and outgoing personality. Funny, feisty, and always ready with a joke, he never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone. His genuine friendliness made people feel welcome, and his unwavering faith in God was evident in the way he lived each day.
One of Jack's greatest joys was welcoming people into his home. Family, friends, neighbors, and members of his church family always knew they had a place at his table. He loved preparing hearty meals followed by homemade desserts, especially his cheesecakes, cakes, pies, and other sweet treats. Jack was always experimenting with new recipes and found genuine happiness in feeding others. Those gatherings often lasted well beyond the meal, filled with laughter, conversation, and fellowship.
Music was another lifelong passion. From an early age, Jack sang in church, played both the guitar and piano, and later traveled with the McQueen Quartet, sharing gospel music in churches throughout the region. It was not unusual for family gatherings to end with Jack sitting down at the piano or leading everyone in song. That love of music will continue to be celebrated during his funeral service as his niece, Emily Richardson, both officiates and honors his memory through song, a fitting tribute to the faith and music that shaped his life.
Jack and Shirley also enjoyed traveling together throughout the years. For approximately 13 years, they made their home in Spring Hill, Florida, where they enjoyed the warm weather and the many opportunities to explore Florida's Gulf Coast. They also enjoyed visiting the Orlando area and nearby beaches, and one memorable family trip took them to California, where they explored Long Beach and the Pacific coast. Wherever life or travel took them, Jack and Shirley enjoyed collecting Hummel figurines as keepsakes, each one serving as a reminder of special places and treasured memories they shared together.
Above all, Jack was most proud of his faith. Whether through his work, his hospitality, his music, or simply the kindness he extended to others, he sought to live a life that honored God. His legacy is one of love, generosity, laughter, faithful service, and a home where everyone was always welcome.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lilly (nee Vyers) Joyce; brothers, George, Clarence, and Virgil Joyce; and sisters, Lucille Clifton, Oneida Cochran, Ennis Brown, Ruby Woods, and Vera Hairfield. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Shirley; son, Keith Joyce; grandson, Andrew Joyce; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and his church family.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home, 185 N. Main St., Waynesville, where funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with his niece, Emily Richardson, officiating. Burial will follow in Heritage Hill Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.stubbsconner.com.
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