Billy Joyce, RIP
Posted by hutchowen on August 24, 2007
My mother’s father died this month. Billy Ray Joyce- a terrific guy. A thin, wirey strong man with great hair who liked to talk more than most other things. Claimed to be 1/16 Cherokee. Born in Oklahoma, most of his life spent in either Witchita KS or Joplin MO. His stint in WWII was spent mostly in Algeria, where he layed down tar and built runways for Allied planes. Got Asthma as a result but the 40 years smoking didn’t help either.Visited every state in the union in his RV (except HI.) Spent years nursing his wife - my grandmother- through Alzheimer’s disease. This picture of him with the beard he took himself, soon after my grandmother’s death. The beard was his way of grieving. He was a good guy.
September 4, 2007 at 4:04 pm
What a great picture. Inspiring.
September 7, 2007 at 12:48 pm
I never saw this picture of my father (I’m Tom Hart’s mom). It’s very soulful! Yes, he was a good man. I feel his presence in my life. I was very blessed to have such a dad.
September 7, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Hi. I’m Tom”s Aunt Cheri. I had seen this picture of my Dad. Tom is correct, it was a part of his grieving.
Nice write up Tom. Thanks.
September 11, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Hi Tom, It’s Aunt Betty. I have this picture of dad and can remember that time. He was a good man and I like your write up of him. Thanks!