WINNSBORO – A full military graveside service for Lt. Col. Ralph Welcome (Jim) Boys, 96, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 at the Sion Presbyterian Church cemetery conducted by the Rev. Clyde McCants and the Rev. Bundy Bynum. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at a reception held in the church’s fellowship hall.
Lt. Col. Boys died on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014. Born on Jan. 30, 1918 in Goodyear, Conn., he was the son of the late Elizabeth Waring and Robert William Boys. He was a graduate of Clemson College. After 28 years of service, Lt. Col. Boys retired from the United States Army, having served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and four years at the Pentagon. He was awarded the Legion of Merit.
Lt. Col. Boys was very active in many organizations. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Jamil Temple Shrine, Masons, Association of the United States Army, Military Officers Association of America and Military Order of World Wars. He was appointed the earliest living member in perpetuity of the National Sojourners and served as the commander of American Legion Post 16. He was past president of Fairfield County Friends of the Library and Fairfield County Historical Society. He was also an Eagle Scout and Diamond Tiger.
Lt. Col. Boys was a devout Christian, loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He was an active member of Sion Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon, elder and clerk of session.
Surviving are one son, John Carlton Boys (Lucy); one daughter, Joanne Boys Padgett (Joel); four grandchildren, John Franklin Boys, James Austin Boys, Melissa Ann White (James “Tripp”), Kelly Lynn Cooper (fiancé Raymond Matthews); and one great-grandson, James Blanding White IV.
Lt. Col. Boys was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Mary Louise Walker Boys, and seven brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity supporting our military or another charity of your choice.
Pope Funeral Home is assisting the Boys family.
Online condolences can be sent to the Boys family at www.popefuneralhomesc.com.
