Robert "Lawrence" Joyce

Robert “Lawrence” Joyce, 76, of Dennis, passed away suddenly doing what he loved on Thursday morning, December 15, 2016.

Visitation will be from 7 pm to 9 pm, Monday, December 19, at Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Home, 913 N. Elm Street, in Weatherford. North Carolina visitation will be from 7 pm until 9 pm, Friday, December 23, 2016 at Bourrough’s Funeral Home, 1382 NC 65 West, Walnut Cove, NC. Burial will be private in North Carolina at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either NCHA or the AQHA youth.

Lawrence was born June 9, 1940 in Kernersville, NC to Walter and Virgie Joyce. He married Annie Barnard on October 19, 1981. Lawrence had a passion for horses, fishing, hunting and was known for his BBQ and grilling technique. He will affectionately be remembered as being ‘a father to many’ as he encouraged many young people to have a passion for horses. Lawrence ‘never knew a stranger’ and was an inspiration to all who met him. He was a member of the NCHA and AQHA and was a long-time leader and mentor of various 4H horsing events. Lawrence served in the U.S. Army from September 8, 1963 until March 7, 1964, including a tour in Vietnam as a Medic.

Lawrence is survived by his wife, Annie; sister, Virginia Joyce (Otis) Joyce; nephew, Greg (Sarah) Joyce; beloved great-niece, Lauren (Jason) Gore; and by two aunts, Edith McGee and Doris (Jay) Vance.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents