Charles Barry Boyce

Charles “Barry” Boyce, 75, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and dear friends.

A man known for his warmth, humor, and deep devotion to family and friends, Barry lived what he often called a “barrier-free” life.

Barry was the devoted husband of Holly S. (Hacker) Boyce, with whom he celebrated 37 years of marriage this past September. He was the beloved son of the late Robert Charles Boyce and Polly Davenport Boyce, and the big brother to Julia Barnette Ford. He was the proud father of Carrie Boyce Crocker, father-in-law of Nicholas Crocker, and grandfather of Elizabeth Charles “Charlie” Crocker, who was lovingly named after him.

Barry was born on July 8, 1950, in Clinton, South Carolina. He will be remembered for his devoted friendships, quick wit, humble generosity, Godly integrity, gentle demeanor, warm smile, and his gift for sharing stories about his cherished childhood growing up on the “Mill Hill.”

He graduated from Chapman High School in 1968, where he served as Senior Class President and was unanimously voted “Most Popular.” A talented athlete, he played varsity baseball as catcher and basketball as both center and forward. His love of baseball began early as a first baseman on the Mills Little League team that won the Spartanburg County Little League Championship. He later played Pony League baseball and American Legion baseball for Post 45. One of Barry’s favorite memories was traveling with his father and uncles to see the New York Yankees win the World Series in 1977 and 1978.

Following high school, Barry attended Clemson University before undergoing spinal cord surgery that resulted in partial paralysis. With determination, and the daily support of his parents and friends, he continued his education and graduated from Limestone College. He went on to a successful career with Toledo Scales, Lanier Business Products, and Young Office Supply before becoming a financial advisor. Barry served clients through Smith Barney and later Raymond James & Associates, where he worked faithfully for 30 years.

A man of deep faith and community involvement, Barry was a member of Inman Mills Baptist Church and later First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, where he coached basketball for Carrie and her friends. He served for 11 years as Treasurer of the Walker Foundation at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. Barry was also a member of the Palmetto Men’s Club and volunteered as a driver for Mobile Meals of Spartanburg.

Barry had a lifelong passion for golf and was blessed to play many of the top courses along the California and Northeast coasts. He loved traveling and took more than 20 trips to New York City with lifelong friends from Inman, each visit requiring a stop at his favorite restaurant, PJ Clarke’s. Another treasured adventure was a Mardi Gras trip to New Orleans with 30 SAE fraternity brothers, hosted by the Junot family.

A loyal supporter of Wofford basketball and Clemson football, Barry was also a history buff who enjoyed reading historical fiction. In quieter moments, he collected and refurbished watches. He was a devoted companion to many beloved pets over the years, including Augie Doggie, Effie, Alvin, Lizzie, Angel, Gus, and Millie.

Barry found great joy in many things, but nothing meant more to him than his family. His mother, Polly, was one of seven children, and he was especially close to his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on the Davenport side. He also cared deeply for his father Bob’s family and all those on the Boyce side. For many years, Polly prepared Sunday supper for Barry, Holly, Julie, and their children, making evenings on A Street a cherished family tradition. Barry was a fun and devoted uncle who created lasting memories with each of his nieces and nephews. He especially loved sharing stories about his grandparents—Granny and Pa Boyce, and Daddy Joe and Granny Davenport.

Barry and Holly shared a loving marriage of 37 years, supporting one another through life’s joys and challenges while building a beautiful life for their daughter, Carrie. Their home was grounded in faith, strong values, and an unwavering ability to find a silver lining even in difficult times. Barry was a devoted husband and a doting father, and he shared a special bond with Carrie, of whom he was immensely proud.

He considered his son-in-law, Nick, the son he never had, and he was utterly devoted to his granddaughter, Charlie, who adored him in return. Nick and Charlie brought immense joy to Barry’s life, and he cherished every moment with them.

Music was one of the many ways Barry expressed his love for his family. At Carrie’s wedding, he surprised everyone by singing “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole—a song he had sung to her as a baby—creating a deeply meaningful moment on one of the most important days of her life. For Holly’s 60th birthday, he sang Frank Sinatra’s “That’s All,” a fitting tribute to their enduring love.

Life without him will never be the same, but he will live on through his family and the countless memories they shared. In addition to Holly, Carrie, Nick, and Charlie, he is survived by his sister, Julia Barnette Ford, and her husband, Rick.

Barry was surrounded throughout his life by a wide circle of loving and devoted friends and family—far too many to name yet deeply cherished by him all the same. Known affectionately by many nicknames—including Ace, Chuck, B, Dad, and Papa—he filled the lives of those around him with laughter, loyalty, and kindness. Though he faced challenges, he often described his life as “barrier-free,” sustained by the love of others and strengthened by his own resilience and spirit. He felt profoundly blessed and grateful for every moment he was given.

“Straight Ahead,” Barry. We pray to be by your side again someday.

Memorial Services will be Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM, at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be prior to service starting at 3:00 PM in the Perrin Room. Livestreaming will be available at https://fpcspartanburg.online.church/

In memory of Barry contributions may be made to SC School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation, 355 Cedar Springs Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304. Purnell Fund at First Presbyterian Church, 393 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302.