William D. Joy

(June 17, 1931 – June 16, 2011) William D. Joy passed away peacefully at his son’s home on June 16, 2011. Bill spent his final months residing with his son Daniel with the assistance of Hospice. Born June 17, 1931 in Spokane, Washington to Daniel and Teresa Joy, both deceased. He is survived by his son Daniel Joy and his wife Shara of Spokane and his granddaughter Abbigayle Joy of Spokane. William attended Gonzaga Prep High School and North Central High School, Graduating from North Central. He went on to attend Gonzaga University and Humboldt University in California, both on athletic scholarships. He was very active in the sports arena and loved playing and watching sports. He played with numerous semi-pro baseball teams and also played on Gonzaga University’s basketball team. He then went on to join the marines and attended officer training. After leaving the military, he worked for Metropolitan Insurance, Spokane Transformer and eventually went on to work for the Spokane County Assessor’s office for 28 years until he retired. In 1968 he married Carolyn I. Joy and stayed married for 41 years until Carolyn passed away in 2009. He was very involved in politics and was an avid union supporter. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church for over 40 years. Bill and his wife coached Jack & Jill softball teams for several years, belonged to the Eagles Lodge and the American Bowling Congress. Bill loved sports and stayed heavily involved in sports in any way possible throughout all of his 79 years. He lived a full life with his family around him and was extremely close to his son Daniel and his granddaughter Abbigayle; living only a few blocks away from each other at times. He will be deeply missed. A visitation will be held Monday, June 20, 2011 from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division, a Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 1104 W. Heroy; both in Spokane. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Spokane.