Joyce Butler Autry

Joyce will be remembered for her bright smile, her passion for travel, her big hugs, and her joyful, positive outlook on life. She was born on March 22, 1928, to Joseph Foster Butler and Mary Brown Butler in Fayetteville, NC. Independent and fun-loving, Joyce was always ready for a good game of Bridge. After finishing business school with a degree in Secretarial Science and Bookkeeping, she worked at Highsmith Hospital where she expanded her office skills by learning to assist with lab work. She was instrumental in opening the first lab in Highsmith Hospital.

On April 29, 1951, Joyce married William Reed Autry and together they raised three children and built a successful business, Acme Auto Sales in Vander. During their marriage they were both active in the community, their church, and the Shriners. Both were adventurous thrill seekers who loved NASCAR, racing cars and riding motorcycles. They loved learning about different cultures as they traveled the world and passed along that love to their children.

Widowed in 1991, Joyce continued to divide her time between serving her family and community. She loved music and sang in the sanctuary choir and performed with several ensembles. She served in the nursing home ministry, overseas mission trips and enjoyed her Sunday School classes. A few of her favorite community activities included her time with the Fayetteville Women’s Club and serving on the board of Passport to Health at Cape Fear Valley Hospital. Joyce would often enlist her children and grandchildren to help with her various volunteer commitments, ensuring her legacy of service lived on.

Joyce was predeceased by all her siblings, Wayne, Dorothy, Evelyn, David, and Mack. Joyce will be greatly missed by her family including her son, Richard Keith Autry, and her daughters Deborah Joy Autry Smith (Clay), and Karen Autry Braswell (Mackey); her grandchildren Crystal LaJoye (Darby), Heather Autry, Wayne McLaurin (Erica), and Jeremiah Autry (Aden); and great-grandchildren, Caitlin (Rey), Brandon, Kyle, Emma, Jake, and Jordan.

When her time came, she carried herself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before her, and she will be missed dearly.

There are no services planned, a celebration of life will occur with details to be determined.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leefhandcrematory.com for the Autry family.