Raymond Andrew Boyles, Sr.

Raymond Andrew Boyles, Sr.

1934-2023

Raymond Andrew Boyles, Sr., 89, originally from Tillman, South Carolina, passed away to be with the Lord on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 5:45 am.

Raymond was born March 13, 1934, in Tillman, South Carolina, to the late William and Maude Sally Boyles.  He was raised in Tillman where he did most of his schooling.  He went on to work at Union Camp International Paper in Savannah, Georgia, for 39 years until his retirement.  During this time, he also served in the National Guard for over 13 years. In service for the Lord, he was a deacon at his church and a member of the choir for many years.  He retired to Bluffton, South Carolina, where he lived on his property surrounded by his family.  He was a typical outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting for deer, squirrels, and just about anything else in the woods that moved.  He also enjoyed fishing in his pond and the Savannah River, and he enjoyed riding his horse, Smokey, on trail rides or through parades with his family.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family, singing in his church choir at May River Baptist Church, and feeding his wide range of animals on “the hill,” including his horses, donkey, dogs, cat, and chickens. He also fed deer and turkeys from a can of dried corn from his back porch (and yes, these animals were off limits during hunting season). Raymond, known to his grandchildren as “Poppa,” could also be found on the sidelines or in the stands cheering them on.

Raymond was a devoted husband to his wife of 62 years, Johnnie Mae Smith Boyles.  Together, they had four children: Donna Raye Boyles Taylor (Robbie), Rose Marie Boyles, Raymond Andrew “Andy” Boyles, Jr. (Denise), and John Wayne Boyles (Kim).  He was “Poppa” to seven grandchildren: Cameron Letzinger, Madison Taylor, Hannah Taylor, Andrew Boyles (Caitlin), Dylan Boyles, Clayton Boyles, and Colton Boyles. He was also “Poppa” to his great grandson, Asher Letzinger (a.k.a. Skeeter-bait).  He also had many nieces and nephews.

Raymond is survived by his brother Leon Boyles, Sr. (Loretta).  He was predeceased by his parents William and Maude Sally Boyles, his sisters Shirley Boyles Bell (Wyman), and Rosella Boyles Brabham (J.B.), and his brothers William “Billy” Boyles, Jr. (Mary) and Henry Boyles, Sr. (Patricia).

The family will receive family and friends at a visitation beginning at 3:00 pm, Sunday, April 2, 2023, at Maye River Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 pm at the Maye River Baptist Church.  Interment will be at the Maye River Baptist Church Cemetery following the service.  Flowers or memorials may be sent to Maye River Baptist Church in memory of Raymond A. Boyles, Sr.

Maye River Baptist Church
3507 Okatie Highway, Bluffton SC 29909