Richard Steven Boyleston

Richard Steven Boyleston left this earthly realm on October 9, 2024, to soar with the eagles. Steve's absence will be deeply felt by all who loved him and all who were fortunate enough to have known him throughout his life.
From an early age, Steve was curious, and his fascination with history, especially Native American culture, informed his lifelong passion for antiquities, relics, firearms, and artifacts. Born in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 22, 1951, Steve began life as a young country boy, enjoying the natural setting of the woods, old farmhouses, antiques, and watching cousins come out of the woods from squirrel hunting, with their bounty dangling from their belts. Steve and his brother Louie were shaped and influenced by their early Carolina years, including their love for music.
In 1959, Steve's parents, Louis and Louise Boyleston, moved to Pensacola Beach with their four children in tow. This new world was fertile ground for Steve's adventurous nature. Hunting for arrowheads on the bluffs became a favorite pastime. As soon as National Geographic arrived in the mail, Steve would eagerly read it cover to cover, retaining every detail.
Steve picked up the guitar in his early teens and never put it down again. His innate talent for stringed instruments evolved, and he was equally skilled on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and banjo. His collection of Les Paul guitars, among others, were prized possessions and have been passed down to his sons, also talented musicians.
Steve met his beautiful wife, Peggy, in school, and they married young-a marriage that lasted 55 years. As young parents, seeking their own path, Steve and Peggy moved to Rutland, Vermont, where Steve attended the only U.S.-accredited wallpaper hanging school. Steve's beautiful work, including silk murals, graces the walls of many stunning homes.
Steve possessed enough creative talent to fill several lifetimes. His woodworking mastery produced incredibly beautiful furniture pieces. If you own a Steve Boyleston masterpiece, consider yourself fortunate.
One of Steve's true passions was for Revolutionary War arms and Native American heritage and cultural antiquities. Under the tutelage of master gunsmiths, Steve became a prolific gun builder of reproduction long rifles, tomahawks, smoking pipes, powder horns, leather-tooled pouches, scrollwork, and inlay work. Steve was a proud member of the Kentucky Rifle Association, an honor bestowed upon few.
Before the internet, Steve spent decades traveling the country, stopping at every antique store or gun show, searching for that rare firearm or antique. His keen eye would often spot a hidden gem waiting for someone like Steve-someone who understood and appreciated the exceptional craftsmanship of its creator. He could not be fooled or "sold" on a piece he knew to be inauthentic.
Even with all of his incredible gifts and talents, Steve treasured most his two incredible sons, Jason and Aaron. The boys had a front-row seat to Steve's genius and creativity, each possessing elements of Steve's character. The atmosphere in which the boys grew up gave rise to their stellar accomplishments: Jason as a professional guitarist and an outstanding wood artisan, and Aaron, a professional cyclist who can play a mean guitar as well. There was no greater joy for Steve than seeing his sons flourish and forge their own paths in life, just as he had done.
A lifelong animal lover, Steve never met a cat he didn't like. Throughout his life, and especially in the last twenty years, Steve dedicated hours each day to helping community cats by ensuring they were fed, spayed or neutered, sheltered, and medically treated. Steve and his family gave homes to many gorgeous cats over the years. Honestly, he liked cats more than he liked people.
Steve had a keen sense of humor. Whether you knew him briefly or for years, his sharp demeanor and quick wit would either put you at ease or let you know that somehow you just didn't get the picture. He was a comedian, laughed easily, and embraced life to the fullest. Steve lived life by his rules-no one else's. Steve was a rebel, a proud son of the South, and an anachronism, who deeply connected to life in the 1700s, only to be born in a modern world, always looking back to an age when craftsmanship was not only a requirement for daily life, but a necessity for survival.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Peggy Taylor Boyleston; sons Jason Steven Boyleston (Sharan Magnuson) and Aaron Taylor Boyleston; sister Gina Boyleston-Delgado (Daryl); Aunt Ann Kupesky; sisters- and brothers-in-law; cousins; nieces; nephews; and a host of lifelong friends. Steve was predeceased by his parents Louis and Louise Boyleston and his brothers Louie Boyleston and Bob Boyleston.
At Steve's request, there will be no formal ceremony. His ashes will be spread in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which he loved so dearly. We invite his family and friends to donate to local animal advocacy nonprofits in his memory.