A true “Ole Raleigh Boy”, Sam was born at Rex Hospital on November 29, 1931 to Nina and Samuel I. Joyce Sr. and graduated from Hugh Morson High School in 1950. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1954 and remained a life-long Tarheel fan. Following his service in the United States Armed Forces, Sam began a successful 35-year career at IBM.
Starting in Charlotte NC, he went on to introduce IBM computer systems into corporate and government operations throughout the world while working in offices in Germany, California and New York. In 1989, Sam convinced IBM to move him back home to Raleigh where he worked until his retirement. Back home, he was able to reconnect with old friends as well as making new ones as a member of Northridge Country Club.
His career allowed him to travel extensively and early retirement allowed Sam to further pursue his love for travel. Highlighted by trips to Alaska, Europe, Thailand, Turkey, Greece and Egypt, Sam’s many adventures also included climbing Ayers Rock in Australia, rafting through the whitewaters of the Grand Canyon and driving cross country in a VW convertible. Nevertheless, the compass point in his heart never strayed far from Raleigh and the beaches of the Outer Banks.
Known for his stories, wit, and wry sense of humor Sam will be missed by all of us. He faced his battles with his health as he lived his life: with dignity and determination.
Sam is survived by his wife of 52 years, Martha (Waddell) Joyce, daughter Sara Joyce of Raleigh, daughter Nancy Joyce Rowen, son-in-law Chris Rowen and grandchildren Thomas and Rebecca Rowen of Atlanta, brother Douglass Joyce and wife Colleen Zinn of Hillsborough, nephew Steven Joyce and his wife Julie of Park City, UT, Emily Joyce, mother of Steven, of Crownsville, MD, and several overfed housecats, past and present.
Thanks go to the doctors and caregivers who assisted Sam during his 26 year battle with Parkinson’s. A special thank you to Anthony Bostic, Rufus Short, Lamin Sanneh and the entire team at of Mayview who took such excellent care of him for the last three years of his life and who became great friends and a wonderful support system to Sam and his family. The family would also like to recognize Victoria Tobin and Anne Marsland of Hospice of Wake County for their support and guidance.
Our family is very proud that Sam is a research study participant at the Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami whose goal is to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases such as Parkinson’s. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, NY, NY 10163-4777 or online at www.michaeljfox.org.
A memorial service will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh on Saturday August 11 at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Share your condolences at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com
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