A Legacy of Service and Love: The Life of Tommy Walter Boyette

Former Footballer and US Army Tommy Walter Boyette, 73, Passed Away, Leaving His Wife, Amy, and 2 Children

Tommy Walter Boyette's journey reflects a lifetime of dedication to community, country, and craft.

December 2, 2026

This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on December 2, 2026

Tommy Walter Boyette passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on November 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with Corticobasal Degeneration at the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke, Virginia.

He played football at Goldsboro High School, participated in student clubs, and built friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Tommy Walter Boyette lived a whole life built on service, hard work, and enduring relationships.

He was a proud graduate of Goldsboro High School, where he shaped his years playing football, participating in clubs, and forging friendships that lasted a lifetime.

After graduation, he was enlisted in the United States Army and became a member of the Army Security Agency in Germany. He was proud to be an American Soldier.

After his service, Tommy continued his education at Wayne Community College and Elon University. Later, he owned Boyette Construction of Raleigh, NC, for an incredible 42 years.

He truly loved his work, and his customers, employees, and coworkers were more like family than colleagues.

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Tommy Walter Boyette Passes at 73 After Courageous Battle

Tommy Walter Boyette, the son of Wiver and Catherine Boyette, was born on July 16, 1952, in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

He passed away peacefully at the age of 73, after a courageous and lengthy battle with Corticobasal Degeneration.

Due to family circumstances in 1956, Tommy moved to the Odd Fellows Home in Goldsboro alongside his sister, Linda, and brother, Billy.

He found a loving community, where he formed cherished, lifelong bonds with a host of brothers and sisters who remained his family.

He was always full of humor and kindness, and loved sharing stories from his childhood, especially those involving his best friend, Wayne Kornegay.

Tommy built a beautiful family with Amy, whom he met at Elon University. They shared 40 years of marriage.

He was a man of profound faith, a devoted Christian whose life was filled with generosity, unwavering honesty, and a quick, gracious wit. He had a gift for making everyone feel seen and valued.

Tommy was an avid outdoorsman and proudly served as club president for two years at Safari Club International. He found great peace and camaraderie while hunting with his close friends from the Club.

Above all, Tommy was most proud of his service as an American Soldier and of his children.

He is survived by his loving wife, Amy Kepner Boyette; his children, Eric Boyette and Allison Boyette; and his adored grandchildren, Grant and Kennedy.

He also leaves behind his sister, Linda Boyette Sullivan; nephews, Hardy Sullivan, Jr., and Nicolas Gray Sullivan; nieces, Jennifer Hope Sullivan Glass, Erin Glass Shuman, and McKenzie Grace Glass; sister-in-law, Ann Kepner Jamison; and an extensive and beloved Odd Fellows family.

On the other hand, Tommay was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy Boyette; and brothers-in-law, Hardy Sullivan and Dan Kepner.

The Boyette family extends their deepest gratitude to the entire staff of the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke for their devoted and compassionate care over the past two and a half years.

Similarly, they thanked Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke for their invaluable support, kindness, and tenderness.

Tommy’s strength, laughter, humility, and boundless love have left an indelible mark, and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2026, at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro.

The Boyette family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest with military honors at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Simpson Funeral Home and Crematory in Roanoke, Virginia, and Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Inc. in Goldsboro, North Carolina, have been tasked with making the arrangements.

Rest In Peace, Tommy Walter Boyette.

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