Obituaries

Donald Ray Joyce, 90, of Axton, Virginia, entered his eternal rest Monday, February 9, 2026. He was born in Madison, North Carolina, on December 1, 1935, to the late Robert Leonard Joyce, Sr. and Queenie Rosemone Martin Joyce, but spent most of his life in the Axton community.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Robert Joyce, Jr., James Joyce, and Gene Joyce; and sisters, Gertrude Purdy, Aileene Bryant, and Marjorie Anderson.

Donald was of the Christian faith and a member of Irisburg United Methodist Church. Not only did he attend this community of faith, but he often gave of his time to help where needed. Church had always been an integral part of his life. In their early dating years, Don always took Peggy to church on Sunday nights. After graduating from Drewry Mason High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Army for two years, then devoted 36 years to the Virginia Department of Transportation as an administrator. He was a former member of the Irisburg Ruritan Club where he spent many hours volunteering, doing whatever he could to help others. He was a talented man who could build anything.

He will always be remembered as a good man who showed kindness and generosity toward others and held a deep love for his family. They were blessed with an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—a man of integrity and one who approached life with a great sense of humor. Donald’s legacy of love and faith will be forever imprinted on the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Peggy Plybon Joyce; daughter, Patricia J. Young (Robert) of Axton, Virginia; sons, Ricky D. Joyce (Janine) of Axton, Virginia, and Robert “Bobby” Joyce (Brenda) of Morganton, North Carolina; his twin sister, Dorothy Hairfield of Axton, Virginia; grandchildren, Brittany Joyce, Jessica Joyce, Katlyn Joyce, Bradley Joyce, Jeremy Warren (Jenna), Joshua Warren, Hannah Young, Derrick Young, Jordan Young (Amanda); great-grandchildren, Kolton Winebarger, Max Warren, Greyson Frost, Bristol Young, Greyson Hodges; and many special nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Dr, Martinsville, Virginia 24112, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.