OBITUARY: Retired U.S. Navy Captain Ernest ‘Ernie’ Joy of Viera Passed Away at Age 74

Ernie served for 31 years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy

Captain Joy was president of the Cape Canaveral Chapter of the Military Officers Association

BREVARD COUNTY • VIERA, FLORIDA – Ernest (Ernie) Joy of Viera passed away on July 30, 2020. Ernie was born on November 30, 1945, in Palo Alto, CA to late Captain Ernest H. Joy, MD, U.S. Navy., and Leona (Ashley) Joy.

Ernie is survived by his wife (Ellie) Eleanor (Medeiros) Joy and son David Joy, daughter Wendi Joy and stepdaughter Andrea Eeckhout, Sisters Marion Joy Soverel (Pete), Barbara Joy Gostel (Julius), Margaret Joy, Linda Joy Bennett (Bruce) and brother Peter Joy.

He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1967 where he served for 31 years as a Surface Warfare Officer, commanding three warships including the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the flagship of the U.S. Seventh Fleet in Japan.

Ernie had a thirst for education. While on active duty he earned Master’s Degrees from National University, San Diego State University, Naval War College, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

He also graduated from the Defense Intelligence School, Washington, D.C. Later he commanded the Navy ROTC unit at Virginia Polytechnic University in Virginia.

Upon retirement from the Navy, Ernie worked for the Florida Institute of Technology at their Hampton Roads Campus in Virginia and at ECPI University in Norfolk, VA.

In 2004, he and Ellie moved to Grand Isle in Viera where he enjoyed boating and fishing. He loved taking cruises with his wife and friends. He joined the Military Officers Association, Cape Canaveral Chapter (MOAAC), and was very active serving as President and in other offices.

He worked on the MOAACC Scholarship Fund Committee that provides monetary assistance to many college students. Ernie dedicated his time and eagerly served until his death. He lived their motto, “Never Stop Serving.”

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 30 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 5655 Stadium Pkwy. in Viera, FL 32940, followed by Full Military Honors at 2:30 p.m. at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. Highway 1 in Mims, FL 32754.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MOAACC Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 254708, Patrick Air Force Base, FL 32925-4708 You may sign Ernie’s guestbook at www.beckmanwilliamson.com.

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