Robert Franklin Joyce

 Robert Franklin Joyce of Winston Salem left this world on August 28, 2024, surrounded by those he loved. Robbie was born January 2, 1947, the oldest child of Benjamin Franklin Joyce and Nancy Kathleen West Joyce. He was the grandson of Robert Walter Joyce and Emma Mounce Joyce, and Robert Wesley West and Gertrude Fulp West. Robbie grew up in Walkertown where he worked on the farm with his grandparents, spending many hours priming tobacco and enjoying life with dozens of cousins who lived all around him. He graduated from East Forsyth High School in 1965 and attended Mitchell College and Davidson Community College while working for RJ Reynolds Tobacco as a Quality Control Technician. He also served in the Army Reserves for 6 years. 

 Robbie’s highest priority in life was always his family. He was the best son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend ever! He married the love of his life, Judy Fishel Joyce in 1968 and was married to her 45 years until her death in 2013. Robbie was thrilled to be the proud father of Jason Franklin Joyce and his wife, Felicia Dawn Joyce and Jarrett Henry Joyce and his wife, Tindall Knotts Joyce. He was the proud Papa to Jason Franklin Joyce II, Eli Henry Joyce, Luke Robert Joyce, Benjamin Roy Joyce, and Kathleen Dawn Joyce. They will all miss him more than words can describe. In addition, he is survived by sister, Kathy Joyce of Winston-Salem; brother, Stephen Wesley Joyce of Kernersville; sisters-in-law, Patricia Fishel Atkins of Winston-Salem, Angela Fishel Honeycutt (Robbie) of Raleigh; and brother-in-law, Sanford H. Fishel, III (Debbie) of Grassy Creek. Robbie is also survived by many treasured cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

 Robbie’s entire life was devoted to the service of others. He served Forsyth County and the state of NC in many roles during his career including Insurance and Registration Hearing Officer, the first one of five in NC. He was appointed by Gov. Jim Hunt as the Director of Natural Resources and Community Development, Northwest Region. He served as Chief Deputy and the first Undersheriff of Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department. Robbie served on the Board of Trustees of Forsyth Technical Community College for almost 30 years. During that time, he served as President of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Curriculum Committee and Chair of the Personnel Committee. He was proud to serve during the addition of 3 new buildings, pay raises for employees, and the selection of several college presidents. The Robert F. Joyce School of Justice is named in recognition of Robert’s years of service. Robbie served on the Forsyth County Nursing Home Advisory Committee and was a founding member of the NC Friends of Long-Term Care Board.

 Robbie was always actively involved in politics. He worked on many local, state, and national campaigns. He was the President of the Forsyth County Young Democrats, Chairman of the Forsyth County Democratic Party, a member of the NC Executive Committee, a candidate for Sheriff of Forsyth County in 1990 and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Citation by the Democratic Party. 

 Robbie served his community of faith as well. He grew up in Morris Chapel Methodist Church and later joined Friedberg Moravian, where he served as a Sunday School teacher and the Sunday School Superintendent.

 Robbie fought bravely for more than 20 years with a rare autoimmune disorder which eventually left him with severely restricted mobility. While his disease limited his physical strength, it did nothing to weaken his spirit and influence. He remained an inspiration and model to all who knew him and a friend and helper to all he met. Robbie’s family would like to express their love and appreciation for his dear friend, Vicki Swicegood. They would also like to thank those who helped care for him: Melissa, Marty, Misty, and Jenni and the staff of Trellis Supportive Care. 

 His family and friends will celebrate his life and his indomitable spirit at 1pm on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Friedberg Moravian Church. Burial will follow in the church graveyard. The family will receive friends from 10:45 am-12:45 pm prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Friedberg Moravian Graveyard Fund, 2178 Friedberg Church Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27127 or Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is serving the family of Mr. Joyce.