Michael Gene Joyce Obituary
Michael Gene Joyce, 85, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024, surrounded by family. Born in Denver, Colorado, Mike spent his early years in San Pedro, California, before settling in Dayton, Ohio, a place he proudly called home.
Mike dedicated his entire career to E.F. MacDonald (later Carlson), beginning as a temporary seasonal worker and rising through the ranks to become Director of the Dayton warehouse operation. Mike often said that the best raise he ever got was the first one, 5¢ an hour, because that meant they were keeping him on. When Carlson relocated its operations to Minneapolis, Mike chose to retire and start a new chapter in Vero Beach, Florida.
In retirement, Mike found joy and purpose volunteering at McKee Botanical Garden, where he met his future wife, Mary Ann. The two married on January 1, 2004, in an intimate ceremony in Deer Lake State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. They enjoyed hiking, travel, gardening, and volunteering at their church. Mike’s marriage to Mary Ann also provided him a wonderful relationship with Mary Ann’s children and cherished grandchildren.
Mike’s life was a testament to hard work, kindness, and the simple joys of family and nature. He will be remembered for his warm heart and ready smile, his enduring pride as an Ohioan, and the love he shared with Mary Ann and their family.
Mike is survived by his sister, Rosemary Hainline, of Nixa, MO, nephews Russell (Shelley) Hainline, Keith (Karen) Hainline, David (Yuila) Hainline, Bryan (Carrie) Hainline, 15 grandnieces/nephews, and 9 great-grand nieces/nephews, along with stepchildren, Raymond (Lori) Collins, Mark (Sarah Richardson) Collins, Beth (Hisham) Hegab, and bonus grandchildren, Maggie, Rachel, Nathan, Sarah, Jack, Sierra and Alaina.
At Mike’s request, there will be no formal service. If you wish to honor Mike, the family requests donations be made to McKee Botanical Garden in Vero Beach or a charity of your choice.
One Response
I enjoyed being with Mike, he had a great smile and a warm and welcoming personality. I think of him as a very kind and quiet gentleman. He enjoyed his time at our local gym in our senior classes and made friends, he was a good sport and very sociable with others who will miss him. May he rest in peace.