CE Pro has been informed that Texas AV retail pioneer and founder of Audio Video of Bryan/College Station, William Eugene “Gene” Joyce, has passed away.
A beloved figure in Texas specialty AV retailing, Gene has been described as a humble, gracious gentleman with a genuine heart for people, especially those in need. His impact extended far beyond the industry and the 50-year old business he built.
In 1977, Gene moved to College Station and opened Audio Video. As a business ahead of its time, Audio Video thrived because of Gene’s remarkable ability to spot shifting industry trends early and adapt, 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.
In 1983, Mike Bellott joined the team and helped expand Audio Video into custom installation. Long before these solutions were widely available, the company was designing and installing whole-house music systems and discreet, built-in speakers.
The business’s commitment to innovation and service has earned Audio Video numerous honors, including multiple Best of the Brazos and Insite Publishing’s A-List awards. The company is also a trusted partner for local homebuilders and discerning clients across the region.
Today, nearly 50 years after its founding, Audio Video continues to deliver not only exceptional service but also the highest-quality components – products that consistently exceed industry standards for performance and reliability. And through it all, the company remains dedicated to guaranteeing the lowest price.
In addition to his work running Audio Video, Gene was deeply committed to giving back to his community, including his longtime support of the Brazos Valley Food Bank, where he was honored in 2017 for his service and contributions.
Gene meant a great deal to many people throughout the Texas CE/AV community, as well as to countless friends and colleagues across the industry nationwide.
Gene is predeceased by his parents and sister, Ann. Gene is survived by his wife Kathy and by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Brian (Debi) Reese, Susan (Jeff) McFarland, Shirley (Trevor) Jefferies, Paul (Monica) Reese, and Mary Edwards. He was also beloved by his niece and seven nephews as well as their spouses.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Gene’s life at Hillier Funeral Home, 4080 Hwy 6, College Station, TX. Visitation will be on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, beginning at 2:30 pm.
A private family burial will take place at Aggie Field of Honor and Memorial Cemetery.
Kathy wishes to extend her heartfelt gratitude to Shay, Thisha, Ainsley and all others who helped her provide compassionate and loving care for Gene.
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.
A link to Gene’s official on the obituary on the Hiller Funeral Home can be found here. The addresses for each organization are as follows:
- Brazos Valley Food Bank; 1501 Independence Ave; Bryan, TX 77803
- College Station ISD Education Foundation; 1812 Welsh Ave; College Station, TX 77840
- Robert Conte Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease; 17850 Rock Prairie Road; College Station, TX 77845
