ROBERT JOYCE, JR

Mr. Robert Joyce Jr. was born to Robert Joyce Sr. and Lela Joyce July 3, 1928, in Galveston, TX. His father was an auto mechanic and became sick with pneumonia and passed away during the depression. Robert and his only sister Mary, moved to the country and lived with their grandparents on a farm. There Robert was taught how to improvise because there was never enough money. He was taught how to fish, hunt, and how to make traps.

Robert and his sister attended Jamestown High School. He wanted to drop out and find a job, but he was told he was going to finish high school whether he wanted to or not. So, Robert finished high school and joined the U.S. Army. He took basic training in Fort Dix, New Jersey. Afterwards, he was sent to Japan and assigned to the 25th Infantry Regiment, the first all-black military unit organization after the civil war in 1866. It was known as “Buffalo Soldiers”. Robert was trained to become a military police officer, trained in military law, and was taught how to speak Japanese. Afterwards, Robert was assigned to the Honor Guard Squad. He traveled from one end of Japan to the other. He decided not to make the military a career. Robert had no regrets. But there was one little word always in the back of his mind “Segregation”. When his time was completed, Robert was discharged. He decided to go on back to Texas for a little while. Robert got a job at Todd Shipyard as a boiler maker and later joined First Union Baptist Church and sang in the choir.

Although Robert could be satisfied in Texas, California was always on his mind. Not knowing what part of California, he would end up in, he left Texas and his first stop in California was San Diego. This is where he decided to make his home and united with The Calvary Baptist Church in 1953 under the Pastorate of the late S.M. Lockridge. He served as an usher and instructor. Robert was also President of Sunday School class.

Robert worked at Convair as an assembler until the plant closed. He started driving city buses and was the first “black man” to do so in San Diego. Later he started to work at North Island Naval Air Station as a Sheet Metal Mechanic and became a member of the Field Service Team for 14 years, and Supervisor 19 years. Total time Robert spent away traveling and, in the Military, 41 years.

Robert met Elizabeth White at Calvary Baptist Church in 1970 and they were married in 1973. He joined Mt. Erie Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Walter G. Wells, January 2, 2014. He sang with the men’s choir and worked with the picnic committee.

Robert was a loving son, husband, brother, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed sharing stories of his life. Robert had a love of photography and collecting classic cars. He enjoyed fishing and going out to shoot pool with family and friends. He also loved teaching his African Grey parrot “Bart” to say speak many different words and phrases. Most of all, Robert enjoyed cooking his special smoked ribs for all to enjoy and growing his collard greens!

Robert was called from labor to reward on October 3, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Joyce Sr. and Lela Joyce. His sister Mary Thompson. His son Maurice Joyce, stepson Derrick White, and his beautiful granddaughter Chelsea Joyce. Robert leaves to cherish his memory Elizabeth Joyce, his wife of 49 years. The mother of his children Reva Bennett. Sons; Joseph Joyce (Lureen), Ronnie Joyce, Stevie Joyce Sr., Eric Joyce (Naomi). Daughters; Jackie Miller and Marlynn Robinson (Jimmie). Son

in Law Donald Miller and best friend since childhood R.J. Coleman. Grandchildren; Tora, Shagirah, Kiana, Tanisha, Erica, Shauntel, Erin, Aundrea, Monica, Ashley, Theresa, Kirk Sr., Jaylen, Justin, Stevie Jr., and Lee. 19 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren. His pet parrot; Bart. Many other relatives, church family and many dear friends.

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