Boyce Lamar Wilson, 88, of Enoree, SC, went home to be with Jesus on December 24, 2023. He had just finished tucking his wife, Carolyn Wilson, into bed as he did every night at their Assisted Living Community, The Woodlands at Furman in Greenville, SC.
Boyce was the first of three sons born to the late Woodrow and Faye Wilson in Clinton, SC on June 22, 1935. After finishing Clinton High School and excelling at football, baseball and basketball, Boyce entered Clemson College on a football scholarship. In addition to football, he was a member of the Air Force ROTC.
On December 14,1954, he married Carolyn Roof. An example of love and true devotion, they were married for 69 years. Soon after marriage, he moved to Charlotte, NC where he began a decades long career at Duke Power Company, retiring in 1996 after 41 years of service. In addition to his hard work, he loyally served his church, community and country. He was a member of the Air National Guard, Masons and Shriners.
Boyce was a personable man of wit, humor and immense energy, always willing to discuss the latest events in life, sports and politics. You knew he cared for and loved you by his humor, teasing, big smile and phone calls to see how you were doing. Will Rogers said, “A stranger is just a friend I haven’t met yet.” If that description held true for anyone, it was Boyce Wilson. He will be greatly missed by the staff at The Woodlands where he spent his final year bringing joy and caring for those who cared for him. He was well loved by all and will be deeply missed by his family and all those fortunate enough to know him.
He is survived by the love of his life, Carolyn Roof Wilson, his daughters, Pam Oates (Eddie) of Central, SC and Ericka Steadman (Micah) of Davidson, NC; five grandchildren, Ryan Oates (Kathryn), Patrick Oates (Christine), Tara Vasquez (Hector), Boyce Steadman and Claire Steadman; and nine great-grandchildren: Jesse, Charlie, Oliver, Eliot, Silas, Samuel, and Elizabeth Oates, and Bethel and Seth Vasquez; brothers, Russell Wilson (Jan) of Silsbee, TX and Ricky Wilson (Juanita) of Matthews, NC; many nieces and nephews; and his trusty friend and beloved dog, Shep.
A cryptside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Crown Memorial Park in Pineville, NC. All are welcome.
Thomas McAfee serving the Wilson Family with arrangements.
Obituary placed by Gray Funeral Home as courtesy to the family.