Funeral service for William Joyce Spray, age 96, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 1:15 PM on Wednesday, March 1st at Higgins Funeral Home, with Dr. Jon Hathcock and Bro. Ray Gardner officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 12 PM until 1:15 PM on Wednesday at Higgins. Private interment will take place in Kirkland Cemetery.
Joyce was born on July 17, 1926, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late James Henry Spray and Nora Lee Towry Spray. He retired from the Fayetteville Electric System after 40 years of service. Mr. Spray was a faithful member of the Fayetteville First Baptist Church and very active and integral part of the YY’s. He was also former longtime member of the Fayetteville Lions Club. Ever the optimist, Joyce was a compassionate man who went through life with a smile on his face. He shared years of friendship and experiences with a devoted, close-knit group of friends throughout their lives. Joyce passed away on February 24, 2023, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors include his wife Barbara Willene Spray; son, Donald Lee Spray; grandchildren, Brandon Spray, and Whitney (James) Cargo; great-grandchildren, Sutton Cargo, and Londyn Cargo; and a sister-in-law, Earlene (Kenneth) Pickett. In addition to his parents, Joyce was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Spray, Clifford Spray, and Edward Doris Spray; daughter-in-law, Jane Spray; and step-daughters, Brenda Jo Sullivan, and Pamela Jean Sullivan.
Memorials may be made to Lincoln Medical Home Health and Hospice, 106 Medical Center Blvd., Attn: Donna, Fayetteville, TN 37334.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of William Joyce Spray.
5 Comments To "William Joyce Spray"
#1 Comment By Bobby & Pam Gray On February 27, 2023 @ 3:30 pm
Barbara, so sorry for your loss. 🙏🙏🙏 for you in the days ahead.
#2 Comment By Linda Holland On February 27, 2023 @ 4:45 pm
Donald, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your dad and my mom were in the same graduating class and went to many fun class reunions.
#3 Comment By Gary & Brenda Badenhop On February 27, 2023 @ 6:34 pm
Joyce was a wonderful and uplifting gentleman. He was very enlightening to be around. We send our sympathy to Barbara and Donald and family. He was a first cousin to my Dad, so was always very special to me. Brenda
#4 Comment By Eddie Underwood On February 28, 2023 @ 6:48 pm
Don, I’m sorry to hear about your father. I remember meeting Mr Spray back in the 60’s, when we were at Belmont.
#5 Comment By Jane Smith On March 23, 2023 @ 8:37 pm
Barbara,
I am so sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. He was always one of my favorite relatives. He had a great sense of humor and always seemed to have a smile on his face. He was kind and generous and a true gentleman.
He will be missed.
Jane