Edwin Joyce, Jr

Biography

Edwin Anthony Joyce, Jr. "Ed" from Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2014, at the age of 77 after a long battle with ALS.

Ed was born in Hampton, Virginia in 1937 and later graduated from High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Continuing his education, Ed received a Bachelors Degree in Biology from Butler University in 1959, took graduate level courses at Duke University and University of South Florida and received a Masters Degree in Marine Biology in 1961 from the University of Florida. He began his career with the Florida Board of Conservation in 1961 and continued working for the State of Florida for the remainder of his career. During his time there, he established a Field Station in St. Augustine and began a research project involving life history of commercial shrimps. He continued his research in various marine topics and was an author of numerous publications dealing with Marine Sciences from 1961 to 1985. His publication, Commercial Shrimps of the Northeast Coast of Florida, has been highly regarded as a fund of knowledge on the subject. In 1972, Ed accepted the position of Bureau Chief, Marine Science and Technology with the Department of Natural Resources and later served as the Director, Division of Marine Resources. For many years, Ed was a Florida Representative on the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. In 1995 he received the Commission's prestigious Charles H. Lyles Award for his many contributions to research and management of the eastern Gulf of Mexico fisheries. He was a Certified Fisheries Professional under auspices of the American Fisheries Society, an invited member of the American Institute of Fisheries Research Biologist and a member of Sigma Xi, the Research Society. Ed's enthusiasm for science never wavered. After over 30 years of dedicated service in the field of Marine Sciences, he retired from the Florida Department of Natural Resources in 1993.

An active member of the Capital City Kiwanis Club for 45 years, Ed served as President from 1988-1989 and was the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder as well as being a member of the choir.

Ed was always curious about life. From the most exotic organisms found in the depths of the ocean to the budding vegetables in his garden, to the vast mysteries of the universe, his admiration and curiosity of God's creation knew no limits. Ed's passion for wildlife and the outdoors led him to start the Rio Chiquito Hunt Club on the family property in Havana, Florida. He loved spending time on the farm, mowing, burning, planting and taking care of the hunt club. He also was an avid vegetable and plant gardener and shared many of his successes with family and friends.

A loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, Ed shared his passion for life with his family and friends. His ambition, determination and loving nature are best demonstrated by his marriage to Mary Dale bringing 5 daughters (and a few more hair dryers) into his family of two sons.


Anyone who met Ed experienced his quick wit, friendly smile and enlightening conversation. He was a man of integrity, a hard worker, resourceful and kind. True to his nature, Ed faced any challenge with determination and an infectious optimism. This was most evident in his battle with ALS. His heroic spirit carried him through to the end.

Ed is the son of the late Edwin A. Joyce, Sr. and the late Leah Bell Gates Joyce. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Mary Dale Joyce; brother Jim H. Joyce (Bonnie); children Tripp Joyce (Kristy) of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Chris Joyce (Alysia) of Lancaster, South Carolina; Kathy Moore (Jeff) of Havana Florida; Kim Pope (Robert) of Altamonte Springs, Florida; Beth Smith (Jeff) of Crawfordville, Florida; Kelly Crutcher (James) of Atlanta, Georgia, Carson Durrance (Tim) of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren, Shelbi Evans (Rob), Mary Kendall and Parker Durrance all from Tallahassee, Florida, Alex and Emily Pope of Altamonte Springs, Florida, McElvy and Matt Moore of Havana, Florida, Taylor Anne and Stiles Joyce of Lancaster, SC, Drew, William and Wyatt Joyce of Spartanburg, SC; Cate and Lawson Crutcher of Atlanta, GA; Great Grandchild, Drew Evans of Tallahassee, Florida, and long-time employee and honorary son, Chris Jarrell of Havana, Florida.

In honor and remembrance of Ed's life, a visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., where the family will receive friends and relatives at Faith Funeral Home in Havana, Florida. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church on Bannerman Road, in Tallahassee, Florida.

Funeral Service

Wednesday December 17, 2014, 1:00 p.m. at Christ Prebyterian Church
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Visitation

Tuesday December 16, 2014, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Faith Funeral Home Chapel
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