RL Joyce

Richard Lovel “RL” Joyce, Jr., 76, of Madison, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The family will receive friends at his home. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 11, at 2:00 p.m. at Comer’s Chapel Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 1990 Bald Hill Loop, Madison, NC.

RL was born and raised in Rockingham County by the late Richard Lovel Joyce, Sr. and Brona Griffin Joyce. RL was a graduate of Wentworth High School, where he captained the basketball team. After graduation, he served three years in the United States Army, stationed in Germany. He worked at NCDOT for more than 30 years until his retirement. RL loved family trips to the beach, where he had a keen eye for finding shark teeth. He enjoyed many hours working in his garden. RL was famous for his grilled BBQ chicken, which no one has yet been able to replicate.

RL was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Alice Wray, and his brothers-in-law, Perry Beck and Wayne Wray.

RL is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie Wray Joyce; son, Kyle Joyce and his wife, Brenda; daughter, Megan Matthews and her husband, Brad; grandchildren, Brady and Leigha Matthews and Jesse Clifton; and his sister, Brenda Joyce Beck. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary Wray, Deonne Walker, Renae Gregg, and Pam Martin, as well as many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and one great-great-niece.

RL will be remembered as a loving husband, Daddy, Gramps, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle.

Memorial contributions may be made to Comer’s Chapel Baptist Church.