Joyce Clarence Pipkin, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, with his wife of 40 years, Carol Patton, by his side.
Joyce's life was marked by athletic, military and professional achievement, and love of music. But his most notable quality, as his wide circle of family and friends knew, was the warmth, generosity and magnetism of his personality.
Born in Lono, Arkansas, Joyce was the son of Clarence and Myrtle Stiles Pipkin. A star athlete, Joyce was in the midst of his time as a standout football player at the University of Arkansas when World War II began.
He left college to serve in the Navy in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater on a Special Forces Underwater Demolition Team of "Frogmen" that was a precursor to today's Navy Seals. He became the crew chief at age 19, leading his team on high risk missions in the war effort, and earning two bronze stars.
After the war, Joyce finished his college degree, and went on to play professional football with the NY Giants and the Los Angeles Dons. At the time of his death, he was one of the oldest surviving former players of the NFL.
Joyce had a long and successful business career, becoming Director of Operations for Reynolds Aluminum. After 32 years at Reynolds, he retired and went in search of further challenges, including consulting work at Pimalco (Pima Aluminum Company) and Alcoa, playing key roles in resolving labor disputes.
Throughout his life, and especially after his retirement at age 75, Joyce's happiest times were filled with his friends and family. A talented self-taught musician, he spent many happy hours playing guitar, fiddle and keyboard, and especially enjoyed playing country music with his friends. Joyce took an interest in everyone he encountered; he truly "never met a stranger."
He was predeceased by his brothers Don and Quentin, and his beloved granddaughter, Yvette Mazboudi.
