Thomas Franklin Joyce was born in Hardin County, Tennessee in 1909. He entered the University of Tennessee at the age of seventeen and majored in agriculture with a specialization in animal husbandry. While at UT, Joyce served as editor of Tennessee Farm magazine, was selected to numerous honor societies, and was selected as a member of the Orange and White Hall of Fame. Upon graduation, he served as assistant agriculture agent in Dyersburg, Tennessee and was later appointed as farm management specialist for the Middle Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, serving until 1942. Throughout his career as a farmer, Joyce remained very active in state farm organizations, serving as director of the Franklin County Farm Bureau from 1945 to 1974. He also served as state director of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Association from 1946 to 1962. Some of the major highlights of Joyce's career include an appointment by Governor Frank Clement to be agricultural representative on the Tennessee Industrial and Agricultural Development Commission, and his authorship of a monthly article for The Progressive Farmer for over fifteen years. Remaining loyal to his alma mater, Joyce participated in many activities of the UT Alumni Association, and was vice-president of the alumni council, representing the College of Agriculture from 1954 to 1956. In recognition of his service to the university, Joyce was made an honorary member of the University of Tennessee chapter of the Block and Bridle Club in 1962. Joyce passed away on December 11, 1976. He was survived by his wife Anna Louise Joyce, and his three daughters: Nancy Elizabeth, Alice Ruth, and Jean Ann.