Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, William Joy passed away on October 25, 2021, at the age of 96. Bill was a kind, thoughtful, humble and educated man who cared deeply for his family and loved Leelanau county.

Bill was born in Highland Park, Michigan, and was the eldest child of Hilda Moran Joy and Charles Edson Joy.  After high school Bill was inducted into the United State Army in August of 1943 and served for 2-1/2 years in England, France and other territories working in casualty reporting for the Army before returning home April 1, 1946.

He graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in education from Wayne State University in 1950 followed by receiving his Master's degree in education from Wayne State University in 1952.  Bill went on to use his teaching skills starting his education career at Highland Park High School followed by serving as Assistant Principal at Harding Junior High.  He then transferred into Eastern Michigan University as a Business Professor.  Bill then taught at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City after relocating to northern Michigan.  He retired from teaching in 1986.

Bill was married to Ruth Evelyn Nelson in 1954 and is survived by their three children, Bill, Bob (Colleen), & Linda (Dennis) and four grandchildren, Hayden, Madison, Chase, and Cole. Bill and Ruth loved northern Michigan and relocated to Leelanau county in 1973 before Ruth's death.

William was fortunate enough to find love a second time with Nancy Ann Guthrie who survives her "Sweet William."  Bill is also survived by two of Nancy's children, Deborah and Marcy, two grandchildren, Stacy and Bryan as well as two great-grandchildren, Madison and Kali.

During his life, Bill was an avid Detroit Tiger fan, even when they were having a losing season.  He also enjoyed golfing; retirement allowed him to golf six days a week with his good buddies at the Dunes Golf Course in Empire.  Bill enjoyed being challenged daily by the Record Eagle crossword puzzle.  Annually, Bill and Nancy would gather for a weekend with a group of paper boys he had known from his Detroit roots and he was a member of Noontiders in Empire.

Bill and Nancy owned Vacation Village in Elk Rapids in the late 1970-1980s.  They enjoyed their opportunity to travel more, especially cruises after Bill retired.  Other activities that they enjoyed as a couple included dancing, listening to country music, and living in Florida during the cold Northern Michigan winters.  They had the opportunity to live on Glen Lake during their lives together.  Bill loved the Leelanau area since his early adulthood when he was a Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes driver, showing people the beauty of the Empire area as he drove them across the Dunes.

Funeral services and military funeral honors will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 1, 2021, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.  Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Empire.

In lieu of flowers, the Joy family strongly encourages donations be made to the Hospice of Michigan.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com