Charles Clay Boyce

Dr. Charles Clay Boyce, 66, of Russellville passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009, in Little Rock. Charlie was born in Dardanelle, Ark., Jan. 6, 1943, to Elaine Minor Boyce and Charles W. Boyce. He was preceded in death by his father and younger brother, Samuel Minor Boyce. Charlie grew up in Dardanelle and attended school in Russellville. He enjoyed and excelled at sports, lettering in football, track and basketball at RHS. He was a starting member of the Russellville American Legion baseball team. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1965 where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, serving as Rush Chairman and Chapter President. He was also a member of Blue Key Society. Charlie then attended the University of Tennessee Dental School where he earned his doctorate in dentistry. After the completion of dental school, he served as an active duty Navy dentist for two years. Charlie married Arden Limerick of Little Rock, Dec. 23, 1967, and began a lifelong partnership of deep and abiding love, mutual respect and admiration, and faith in God. The Boyces moved to Russellville in 1971 where he and Arden raised their four daughters in a loving and nurturing home. Over the years he served on the local boards of Worthen Bank, River Valley Bank and Simmons First National Bank. He actively supported the University of Arkansas and The Razorback Foundation. Charlie was a member of the Russellville Rotary Club where he was a past president, and he was a member of Community Services Inc. Charlie was a man of deep integrity, character and honesty who adored his family. He valued service to his community, the State of Arkansas, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the noble sport of fly fishing. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Arden Boyce of Russellville, four daughters and eight grandchildren, all of Little Rock. His daughters are Ellis Boyce Noland, and her husband, Briant; Lillian Jane Boyce; Anne Boyce Tedford and her husband, Alan; and Mary Boyce McMillan and her husband, William. His grandchildren are Conner, Jack and Arden Clare Noland; Mary Ellis, Tollie and Katherine Tedford; and William and Charlie McMillan. He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Elaine Hutsler of Russellville. Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at the Shinn Chapel with the Rev. Stephen Davis officiating. Burial will be private in Brearley Cemetery at Dardanelle under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Russellville Rotary Club, P.O. Box 922, Russellville, AR 72811; Arkansas Hospice Inpatient Unit, St. Vincent Doctors Hospital, 6101 St. Vincent Circle, Little Rock, AR 72205, or a charity of choice.