WWII Panama Marine Passes
John F. Boyce
Date published: 5/24/2009
John F. Boyce
Retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. John F. Boyce, 84, of Fredericksburg passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at the McGuire Veterans Hospital in Richmond.
Born in Henry County, Virginia, John was a dedicated Marine. He was wounded twice in World War II and was awarded two Purple Hearts. During the Korean War, he was wounded at the Inchon Landing and awarded another Purple Heart as well as the Silver Star. After the war he continued to serve with the Marine Corps as a diplomatic courier.
John was a lifelong member of the American Legion and was a commander of VFW Post 10546 as well as commander of VFW District 13. He was also a lifelong member of the Mickey Finn Marine Corps League in Triangle and of the Fleet Marine Association.
John is survived by his wife, Barbara Boyce of Fredericksburg; his stepchildren, Donna L. Pennington and her husband, John, of Leland, N.C., Dennis L. Killmon of Fredericksburg, and Thyra J.K. Nichols of Florida; his sisters Lydia Hariton of Colorado and Mary Carol Willey of Deep Creek; his grandchildren, J.W. "Jay" Pennington IV, Lisa P. Stormant, Krista Killmon, Keri Killmon, Rebecca Gordan, Sabrina Stanley, Jonathan Nichols and Michael Nichols; seven great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Lydia Boyce; his brother, Jarret Boyce; and his sister Jean Costin.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels-Cremation Service, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. A funeral service celebrating John's life will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the funeral chapel.
Inurnment will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice at McGuire VA Medical Center, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd., Richmond, Va. 23249.
Online condolences may be expressed to John's family at foundandsons.com.