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Christopher Boyce Obituary
Christopher John Boyce
San Antonio, TX
The passing of a true American Hero, TSgt. Christopher John Boyce (U.S. Air Force Ret.), passed away Sunday, March 14, 2010. Born in Washington, DC he had lived in Hampton and graduated in 1985 from Phoebus High School. Following graduation, he joined the U. S. Air Force. Chris served his country honorably during the Gulf War. He served most of his career with the 1st Security Police Military Working Dog Section, for which he received many awards and medals. He later retired in 2007 after 21 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Disabled American Veterans. Veteran's of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Chris was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Boyce; maternal Grandparents, Joseph and Mary Wilson; and paternal grandparents, Donald R. Boyce, Sr. He is survived by his parents Donald and Sherry Boyce of Hampton; sisters Angela Champ and Bernadette Carr; brothers, Joseph R. Boyce and John Sawyer; step-brothers, Clarence Fontz and Walter Fontz; adopted brother, best friend and primary care giver, Jessie Pullen; paternal grandmother, Bernadette Boyce; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family will receive friends from 3-4:00 PM Sunday at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton. A Christian wake service will be held at 4:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Hampton national Cemetery. The family wishes in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Christopher John Boyce Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o St. Mary's Star of the Sea School, 14 N. Willard Ave., Hampton, VA 23663. Arrangements are by: R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Ave. in Hampton. 757-723-3191
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Boyce
Monique
March 13, 2025
No amount of passing time will heal the ache of loss. But, my Spirit will forever rejoice in the knowledge you are no longer suffering.
July 17, 2010
Chris was one of my defenders for most of the time that he was at Langley. I remember meeting him in my early years at Langley over in 38 and at the squadron. He will be greatly missed.
With love Holiday Lady
Wanda Miller
April 17, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how difficult this is for you. Just like me, you have to remember Chris is no longer hurting and in a better place. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Don and Sherry Boyce
April 16, 2010
We miss our True American Hero son Chris. He is a son to be proud of and he accomplished so much in such a short life. He touch our hearts like he touched everyone that he came in contact with during his 42+ years with us. We wish to thank all of you who have signed his guess book, e-mailed us, called us from around the world and came from near and far to be with us during our heartbroken days. Son we will see you again when our time comes and we hope you will let us pass thru with you K-9 by your side. Love Mom, Dad and your extend family.
Jason Redulla
March 30, 2010
I knew Chris Boyce when he lived at Dorm #38 at Langley AFB. He was always fun to be around and a dedicated Security Policeman. Rest in Peace.
Bill Stokes
March 26, 2010
Chris was a true patriot and friend. I never knew a time when he didn't think of others first. I had the joy of working with and deploying with him on many occasions. He will be missed. Sleep well my fellow dog handler. I'm sure you are watching over us all from above.
Betty Taylor
March 25, 2010
To everyone that knew and loved Chris.
I had talked to Chris many many times on the phone, but when I went to Texas and met Chris I could tell what a special person he really was and knew why my Son loved him so. Even though Chris was feeling really bad most of the time that I was there, he still gave so much love during my visit. He was like a second Son to me and an angel here on this earth. Now I truly believe after all our talks, that he is an Angel in Heaven with God with no doubt.
Holly Stokes
March 24, 2010
Chris was a good man and a great friend. He was a big part of Bill's and my military years. Chris and Bill first met in the late 1980s at Pope AFB when Chris was TDY enroute (to somewhere) with his K-9. Bill and Chris had 2 other assignments together with numerous "adventures" at both Langley and Lackland. We celebrated birthdays, holidays, promotions, retirements, new homes, marriages, and new babies. Chris babysat for us a lot; our kids loved him.
I always hoped for him that one day he would have a "little rugrat" who would tackle him when he came home from work and say, "Dad! I'm glad you're home!" I am so sorry that circumstances denied him children.
Chris was very kind and a wonderful listener. He was also pretty darn good in the talking department. He and Bill could get in huge debates about a topic. The voices would go mile-a-minute with coffee sloshing in their mugs as the debate got going. Eventually, one of them would make a BS remark and we'd all laugh -- that's the way it was with Chris.
Now that I've gotten going with writing about this it is just flowing. I've had writer's block for days. Too much to think of to say. Bill and I were talking on the back porch last evening and we heard "Taps" playing from over on Tinker AFB. I thought about the words, "Day is done... all is well, safely rest, God is nigh," and I realized -- that was it, what I was trying to say about Chris' passing -- it's like Taps to me. His time here is done, we now look back at his years spent in helping and guiding others, being a good soldier, and an awesome guy. I think he'd want us to know that "all is well" and he's happy and pain-free.
Our condolences to the Boyce family. We hope that God will help you ease your grief.
HOLLY and BILL STOKES & girls
Monique Winston
March 23, 2010
I often lay awake a night wondering if Chris was called home because he was too good for this world. Some people only dream of Angels... I held one in my arms. To the Boyce/Cruikshank family; Chris may have left this Life, but he will never leave our hearts.
David Telles
March 23, 2010
I was deeply saddened to hear of Sgt. Boyce’s passing. Sgt Boyce was my supervisor when I was a K-9 handler at Langley AFB. I remember Sgt Boyce as a kind and respectful man that was more dedicated to the Air Force than anyone I had ever met. I also remember him as courageous, modest, and full of humor. Sgt Boyce will truly be missed. To his family, I respectfully extend my most sincere condolences.
David Telles, Esq.
Paul Gilyard
March 23, 2010
Dear Family,
My sincere condolences and may the Peace of God blanket your hearts during this time of reflection. I knew Chris for as long as he was at Langley AFB and ever since then. Chris was my senior K9 Handler and he was instrumental in educating me on K9 duties in Law Enforcement during the careerfield merger. Not only did we work together at Langley but we were in combat side by side in the Gulf War. We were a band of brothers, we were Regulators, we were friends. Chris "Slurp" Boyce touched a lot of lives and left a positive impact and example for us all to admire and emulate. Rest soldier! that's an order.
Sue (SueMom) Swanson
March 22, 2010
My sympathy and condolences to the family of Chris Boyce.
I met Chris while visiting Holly and Bill Stokes (Ret) in OKC, OK the summer of 2008. In just a few hours he won my heart. I wanted to 'adopt' him as one of my special kids. The stories of his past were delightful. His plans for his future, so well devised and very attainable. But his humor, oh my, his humor was exquisite.
Chris will be missed by all who knew him. And those who never met him will never know the true joy he would have brought to their lives.
I will hold his spirit close to my heart forever.
Written with heartfelt sadness.
Sue (SueMom) Swanson (Civilian Ret)
Paula Jones-Griffin
March 22, 2010
To the Boyce family, I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Chris while stationed at Langley AFB. He was a good guy. I will always remember him. (Paula Carter)
Captain Lisa Christian
March 22, 2010
He was a good soldier and a genuine person. Peace to the Boyce family. Keep Chris alive in your memories.
Travis Just
March 22, 2010
It was an Honor to learn from Chris when I was stationed at Langley as an 18yo rookie K9 handler. I especially remember that Chris did not know when to quit or say no even when it involved putting himself in the line of fire and regardless of the situation Chris always had a smile and could easily get a laugh out of us all! I can still picture him today walking around the kennels at Langley with those green suspenders on that I loved to give him crap about! We'll miss you brother.
Rick Barker
March 22, 2010
Chris was a true American hero and will be sorely missed by us all. I was stationed at Langley with him and remember a lot of funny and great times. Rest in peace brother.
Mark Anderson
March 22, 2010
To family of Chris Boyce,
I was stationed with Chris at Langley AFB many moons ago and my heart and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May God bless him and keep him always.
Mark Anderson, (MSgt Ret)
Lorenzo Cortez
March 22, 2010
I had the great pleasure of getting to know Chris at Lackland when we worked in the canine section. Chris had a great sense of humor and always found a way to joke about every little thing. Chris, you will be missed my friend. May you rest in peace.
Al Geils
March 21, 2010
My condolences to the Boyce family. I didn't know Chris, but K-9 handlers are a special group. May he rest in peace.
Imelda Emano Miller
March 21, 2010
I graduated from Phoebus H.S. in 1985 with Chris. I remember him being in band with some of my friends and he was always smiling and laughing. I saw him at Langley at one time when I was going through the gate but didn't know it was him until I was waved through. May you rest in peace my friend.
Jessica Sawyer
March 21, 2010
Chris it was an honor to be your sister inlaw and if only you and John would have been able to get to know each other better. The time we spent with you when you came to visit will be cherished in our hearts forever. Your battle is now over and may you rest peacefully. Forever in our hearts you will be. Love you brother and miss you.
Jessica and John Sawyer
Cherryl Belton
March 21, 2010
On Behalf of President Rolando Balagtas, Officers and members of the Virginia Postal Workers Union, we offer condolences to you and your families in the passing of your son Christoper.
In lieu of flowers, we are sending a donation to the Christopher John Boyce Memorial Scholarship in care of St Mary's Star of the Sea School.
Lea Barto
March 21, 2010
From the moment I met Chris I loved him. He became my adopted brother, best friend, partner in crime. Chris was truly a great man and hero. He loved being in the miltary. He had a wonderful sense of humor. There is truly no way to describe just how great of a person Chris was. Even while battling cancer he was always caring about others and funny and loving.
To all of Chris' family, we send our deepest and sincerest condolences. Chris is happy and healthy now and walking with the lord. Telling him one of his many stories of life in the miltary. May god keep you all strong as you grieve.
Rest in peace little brother, we love you and will miss you everyday until we see you again.
Cyndi Asch
March 21, 2010
Rest in peace, my fellow PHS Phantom. Peace be with your family and Jesse.
Daniel Haddock
March 21, 2010
Sergeant Boyce was my first supervisor in the Air Force at Langley. It was unusual in that I was not a dog handler. He truely shaped me into the supervisor that I became down the road. Hard working, honest, fair...these are the words I would describe him with. His battle with cancer is one they make into movies.
Jason Hoffman
March 21, 2010
I had the Honor of working with Chris for fours years and being his roommate for three of those years at Langley. Chris lived and breathed for K-9. As for his country he volunteered for ANY assignment that came down from headquarters. It did not matter where he just wanted to serve his country and help his friends who were going. It got so bad his was told “ Stop volunteering we are not sending you anywhere else.” Chris always looked after his friends. I will never forget when Chris called me on Christmas eve one year and asked me “ Jason where’s Lobo?” In the Chris I know you up to something voice. Of course being the holidays, I had snuck my military working dog off base to our townhouse to spend the night with me for Christmas. Chris then told me the kennel master (Filchak) noticed my dog was missing and I had better sneak Lobo back on base. It worked and the kennel master never found out. Until now. If you knew Chris you knew Chris would watch your back no matter how bad it got. Chris always reminded you of this every time he would say goodbye either in person or on the phone. “Watch your back, I’m not there to watch it for you.” I will never forgot my brother chris.
The St. Joseph Church Family
March 20, 2010
Our condolences to Don and Sherry and all the members of the Boyce Family. You are in our prayers at this time of your loss.
JESSE PULLEN
March 20, 2010
RIP my friend my brother it was my pleasure and honor to know you and to take care of you in your time of need
K-9 ALL THE WAY
William Parker
March 20, 2010
I am giving my heart felt condolences to Chris's family . I was a classmate of Chris and a frind we graduated together and he was a very fun person to be around . God Bless his family
Pete "Duke" Duca
March 20, 2010
Chris was a great Amercian and a true Patriot! I had the pleasure of working with Chris as the "C" Flight Chief. He was a great friend and trusted patrolman. He watched over my duaghter Tammy during many ride alongs, along with Hughey and Freeman. I remember one of the funniest times of my career with Chris. It was 0600 at langley and we had a domestic disturbance at Bethel Manor. Chris, Hughey and I were screaming out of the West Gate when a duck flew in front of Chris' patrol car and there was nothing but a puff of feathers. Well we finished up with the domestic and sticking out of the grill of the car was the duck! Never laughed so hard in my life.
Rest well my friend, You will be missed!
Mike Snelgrow
March 20, 2010
RIP Chris You Will Always Be Remembered. I worked with Chris at LAFB and there are so many memories that i can remember him by
Cotious "Cheeko" Arnold, SMSgt (Ret)
March 20, 2010
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I felt to hear that Chris’ journey had ended. Chris represented the very best that the Air Force had to offer. I had the pleasure of being assigned with him at Langley and again at Lackland. I hope that in some small measure, these words bring his family comfort during their hour of bereavement. I am reminded of those words from the scripture that say "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."
May God's blessings and peace be with the Boyce family during this time and always.
Rest on brother…
Michael Crespo, Ssgt (Ret)
March 20, 2010
My condolences to the Boyce family.
I had the opportunity to work with Chris at Langley and in Saudi Arabia and I remember his sense of humor. Blue Skies Defender!
Ms. O
March 20, 2010
To the Boyce Family,
As the 1 SPS Commander's Secretary, it was my pleasure to work with Sgt Boyce at Langley AFB. He was a dedicated American hero. May the memories of his family bring peace to your hearts. God Bless to all his family.
Linda Culpeper
March 19, 2010
TSgt Chris Boyce's family should be very proud of him as a son, brother, uncle or friend whatever roll he played in your life. I worked with Chris at Lackland AFB when he worked in the CP. He always made me laugh. He could be very serious and I always enjoyed talking with him. He will always be missed.
Luke Sinclair
March 19, 2010
Chris and I were good friends in high school but unfortunately lost touch in the late 80's. Even though the years have passed, I will miss him and think of him often.
Debra Prude
March 19, 2010
To TSgt Boyce's Family
I had the honored of knowing Chris as a friend and co-worker. About two weeks ago I was telling a young troop about his courage and fight for life. God Bless you... Ms P
Ed (and Jean) Johnson, Colonel, USAF (ret)
March 19, 2010
Dear Family,
Although I did not have the privilege of working with Chris, from what I have read, know the legions of the Air Force family will miss him. We send condolences to his family, friends and his four legged pals who served in harms way with him. We lived in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia as civilians during the Gulf War and sponsored many of the 1st SPS troops in our Saudi Aramco homes. Blessings from Lake Conroe, Texas to all the families.
March 19, 2010
God bless Chris and family.. enjoy the time we spend in the war. He was a hero and a good man. Be missed by all ARFF ARFF...(
MAC
David Filchak
March 19, 2010
We are so very sorry for your loss... Chris was by far one of the most awesome people and outstanding military men I’ve ever known, it was a privilege to work with him at Langley AFB and we have kept up with each other over the years, I will truly miss him. Chris loved his country and his family, his military family as well as those who raised him so well. He saw the best in everyone...
USAF (Ret)
Jamie Graves
March 19, 2010
God Bless Christophers family! He was a HERO and will be sadly and forever missed!
Elizabeth Sawyer-Hargrove
March 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Beth Cruikshank
March 19, 2010
I will miss him very much. He was like a brother to me and I will never forget our time together.
Elizabeth Pierce
March 19, 2010
Chris you were always in my heart. You are flying with the angels, your mom and Nanny now. You will meet us when we get there.
Liz Pierce
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