William Basil Joy, was born in a tiny home in Brighton TN on March 5, 1934 and passed away on May 19, 2025 from heart failure in Jackson, MS.

One of eight children, born to James and Elizabeth Joy, Bill was the second oldest child. He spent his youth helping to work in Cotton fields and raise six of his siblings. At the age of 18, Bill enlisted in the Navy during the Korean conflict. After four years, he then enlisted in the Air Force, serving four years during the Vietnam war. While serving, he learned to be a cook and assisted in air and sea rescue. He was the first sibling to have received a college degree and went on to get his master's in engineering.

He met Beverly Conner on a blind date, and six months later they were married in Denver, CO. They traveled the country before settling in Clinton MS in 1977.

Bill wore many hats in his lifetime. Business owner, Equipment Engineer for AT&T, college professor, Sales, and Marketing, and finally as an OSHA officer/line maker/company chef for Irby Construction. Forced into retirement at the age of 83, Bill spent his days cheering for his favorite college- The University of Tennessee, gardening, traveling, and loving his community. He also devoted his time to the restoration of the beautifully historic Methodist Church of Pocahontas, MS serving on the board of directors.

He will be known as the ultimate UT fan, as well as the sweet southern gentleman who wore overalls, his veteran's cap, and always having a cigar tucked into one side of his mouth. Bill lived his life as he preached- God, Family, Friends. His deep-rooted faith gave him the desire to accept every challenge head on.

Affectionately known as Buddy, Uncle Bill, Mr. Bill, brother, and daddy, he is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 52 years (Beverly), his siblings JoAnne, Bob, Leda, and Carolyn, and special friend/companion Martha.

He is survived by his children, Stanley Joy (Donna), Sharyn Thornton (Larry), siblings Maurice Joy (Patti), Nita Blanchard, Wayne Joy (Debbie), Grandchildren Sean Thornton (Fallon Stephens), Nicole Joy, and James Thornton.

In addition, Bill is survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as an entire community of friends.

We wish to recognize specifically Randy Hale's, and Jeremiah Howard for friendship, the staff at Kroger, Taco Bell, and UPS for the genuine love and support Bill received, especially Samatha, Ms. Liller (Mama), Wendy, and Samatha.