William Joy Obituary

William Kent Joy

Oct 24, 1958 - Feb 11, 2023

Sandusky

William Kent Joy, 64, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.

He was born Oct. 24, 1958, in Sandusky, to Lowell and Virginia Joy. He lived in Lakeside and was a 1976 graduate of Danbury High School. The following fall, he met the love of his life, Julie, and they were married Aug. 6, 1977. Kent worked at the family Lakeside Marine and served as a volunteer EMT and firefighter before returning to school to follow his calling to serve the Lord. He graduated from University of Toledo and then served at Park Avenue UMC, Amherst, while attending Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

He served at Newcomers Chapel UMC, Birmingham UMC, Berlin Heights Lakeview UMC, First United Methodist Church of Mansfield, and in 2015, became pastor of First United Methodist Church of Elyria. Kent, as everyone knew him, was a man of God as well as the people. He was eternally giving and always willing to offer a helping hand or loving embrace. He shared God and Jesus in a way few others knew how and lead many to Christ throughout his life.

He was the knower of all things and the fixer of any house he visited. As a father, Kent was compassionate and strived to love and protect. He was always there with unwavering love, support, advice, or a witty comment to make you smile. He was active in Elyria Ministerial Association, Elyria Sunrise Rotary, Neighbor Up Elyria, Financial Stability Impact Advisory United Way of Lorain County, Urban League, and We Care Elyria. Kent also enjoyed motorcycle trips with his wife, music, cooking, photography, skiing, boating, birding, and fishing.

As a husband of 45 years, he was the perfect fit for Julie. They were truly a match made in Heaven.

He is also survived by his children, Caitlin (Andy) Agard, and Casey and Caleb Joy; grandchildren, Eliott Joy, and Soren and Maisie Agard; mother, Virginia Joy; father, Lowell; stepmother, Elaine Joy; siblings, Kenny (Sue) Joy, Kathie Joy, and Keith (Kathy) Joy; sister-in-law, Debbie (Mike) Campbell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Marjorie Gottschalk.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, and 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, 312 Third Street, Elyria. Kent's memorial service will be 11 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Dr. William L. McFadden, the Rev. Bruce Hitchcock, the Rev. Dr. Steve Bailey, and the Rev. John Butchko officiating. Burial will be at Catawba Island Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 312 Third Street, Elyria, Ohio, 44035, or Bike Hope Love, 4065 St, OH-44, Rootstown, Ohio, 44272, https://www.bikehopelove.org/.

Arrangements are being handled by Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Elyria.

For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com.