Texas AV retail pioneer and founder of Audio Video of Bryan/College Station, William Eugene (“Gene”) Joyce, has passed away. The longtime specialty AV retailer he founded remains open and serving the Bryan/College Station community today.
Gene, a successful businessman and philanthropist with a profound heart for the Bryan-College Station community, passed away in the arms of his loving wife of 37 years, Kathy, on September 21, 2026. Born in Abilene, TX on June 20, 1947, to Jake and Hortense Joyce, Gene grew up in Coleman, TX where his father was a high school Ag teacher and his mother taught home economics. Later the family moved to Winters, TX where his father became a high school principal.
After graduating from McMurry University in Abilene, Gene moved to Austin, TX to work in radio and advertising. After spending time learning the industry, Gene sought out to become his own boss. In 1977, Gene moved to College Station and opened Audio Video. Truly a business ahead of its time, Audio Video thrived because Gene possessed a remarkable ability to spot shifting industry trends early and adapt, seamlessly reinventing the company multiple times over the decades. Thanks to his sharp business acumen and forward-thinking leadership, he became widely known, respected, and recognized as an industry pioneer, establishing a successful business that still thrives today as a testament to his vision. As fate would have it, his future wife, Kathy, also moved to College Station in 1977 to attend Texas A&M University. They began dating in 1981, and after eight fun-filled years of getting to know each other, they married in 1989.
Gene developed a passion for service to the Bryan-College Station community, which became evident in the many charitable organizations he and Kathy supported. In particular, Gene was a founding member and served as president of what is now known as The Brazos Valley Food Bank. He served on the Food Bank’s Board for 12 years and was its first major donor. He provided funds, made in-kind donations, and contributed his time and expertise toward the growth of the Food Bank, including the critical Capital Campaign committee from 2012-2017 that raised $5.2 million to renovate and relocate the Food Bank to its current location. Gene was described as a “connector” who brought like-minded people to become involved with the Food Bank.
Gene’s parents instilled in him a strong passion for public education, which led to Gene becoming the first Board President of the College Station ISD Education Foundation in 1999. He continued to serve as president until 2002 but remained active on the Board until 2013. As Board President, he and others developed unique fundraising events for the organization. Supporting the funding of innovative teaching methods and scholarships for students was driven by his belief in the dedication and professionalism of the teachers and staff.
Gene’s impact in the community went beyond just these two charities. He often worked quietly in the background to address other needs, both charitable and business-oriented. He mentored and encouraged others, especially those in business, regarding the importance of their support to the greater community.
In lieu of flowers, Kathy asks that memorial donations be made in Gene’s name to The Brazos Valley Food Bank, the College Station ISD Education Foundation, or the Robert Conte Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease.
To read the full obituary, please click here.
