Carlton Ray Boyce

   Carlton Ray “Flute” Boyce, 66, of 1019 NC Hwy 37 North, Gates, NC, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016 in Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC following an extended illness.

   Carlton, a life-long resident of Gates County, was born on March 11, 1949, and was the son of the late Samuel Pearl and Edna Nixon Boyce. He had retired from Stewart Saw Works after more than 20 years of employment.

   Life’s passions included hunting and fishing which he began at an early age, and later, as he grew older, maintaining three large gardens, seeing just how big he could grow vegetables. He had enjoyed membership in the Water Swamp Hunt Club, Nixon’s Ditch Fishing Club, the Gatesville Hunt Club, the Gates County Hunt Club, and the Hideout Hunt Club.

   Carlton accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior later in life, and this found grace and faith sustained him through his declining health and sickness.

   Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Debra Tyler Boyce; his children, daughter Amy Vann and husband Dennis of Suffolk, VA, son and hunting companion Chuck Boyce and wife Holly of Suffolk, and daughter Hillary Lassiter and husband Adam of Tyner; his brother, David Boyce and wife Donna of Hobbsville; four grandchildren, Brittany Vann, John Dennis Vann, Jr., Olivia Boyce, and Samuel Boyce, all of Suffolk; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

   A memorial service will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church, officiated by the Rev. Cody Brinkley and the Rev. Billy Presley. Friends may join the family Sunday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, in the church social hall immediately following the service, and other times at the residence.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any Hospice organization of the donor’s choice, or to the Gates County Rescue & EMS, 16 Highway 158 East, Gatesville, NC 27938.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.