They met a generation ago and are still together.
Leon Mix Boyce and Mayo Cato Boyce have been happily married for only 65 years. While so many couples are so quick to get a divorce in the face of adversity, this couple has faced some storms in their life, but they are still very much in love.
Mayo Cato Boyce was born in Eroxton, Georgia, on January 14, 1936, and reared around Douglas, Ga. Leon Boyce was born on August 29, 1933, in Miami, Florida, and reared in Sanderson, Fla. Mr. Boyce said he attributes his long life to God. “He kept me alive.”
They were married at the courthouse in Douglas, on September 23, 1953. This beautiful couple had three children (Donald, Perry Ray, and Donna Lynn). Perry Ray died at age 58. Their son, Donald, owns Island Real Estate in Midway. They also have six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
On February 5, 1951, Mr. Boyce enlisted in the Army. While in the military, he was stationed in Korea, Vietnam, France, Germany, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; and Fort Stewart. “I have been in two wars (Korean and Vietnam). I spent my high school senior year in Korea in the war and did two tours to Vietnam. God took care of me,” he said.
“I retired as a Chief Warrant Officer from the Army (Company A, 92d Engineer Battalion) in 1972 at Fort Stewart, Georgia.” Subsequent to retirement, Mr. Boyce went to work with the Georgia State Patrol (Drivers’ License Department). “I spent 22 years with the Georgia State Patrol and retired as a Chief License Examiner.”
Mrs. Boyce is a Fort Stewart civil service retiree who worked in the Directorate of Logistics, Property Book Office and retired in 1999. Both of them received various awards and certificates during their years of work for their outstanding service rendered as dedicated employees. These days, the Boyces are enjoying their retirement.
They are faithful members of Midway United Methodist Church, where he serves as a trustee. Mrs. Boyce said her favorite song is, “Precious Memories.” Both of them said John 3:16 (For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life – New King James Version) is their favorite scripture.
When asked what she loves the most about her husband, Mrs. Boyce said he calls her his bride. “He loves to make people laugh and is always saying something funny,” she said. Her advice to couples is never go to bed mad. “Say I love you every day and take care of him; feed him well, and keep his clothes clean. We love each other and hope we have many more years.”
Mr. Boyce said what he loves the most about his wife is that she stayed with him for 65 years. “You must learn to trust one another and don’t go to bed mad. Be very understanding of each other. Don’t ever jump to conclusions about anything,” he said.
“I love taking care of my family. My wife is happy being around her children and grandchildren. She also loves to shop, so I take her shopping,” he said.
“I stay busy trying to do something. I enjoy woodwork, and I make toys and build rocking horses.” Mr. Boyce said he loves to go fishing, especially in Branson, Missouri. He also loves Western channels
“We love to vacation, and have travelled all over the world. We enjoy going to Eufaula, Alabama (which is on the border of Alabama and Georgia),” he said.
Mrs. Boyce said she takes care of herself. “I don’t smoke or drink. I have good doctors and Leon takes care of me. We enjoy having the whole family over for Thanksgiving and serving a Thanksgiving meal.”
Mrs. Boyce said her favorite dish is turkey and dressing and his is vegetable and meat and lima beans and rice. “My husband is happy getting his three meals a day. We go out a lot since we have gotten older,” she said.
Mrs. Boyce said her mother (Elizabeth) and dad (Jim) Cato influenced her the most. Mr. Boyce said his mother (Alice Boyce) taught him not to worry and one of his sergeants in basic training had a great influence on him.
He has been a member of Hinesville 271 Masonic Lodge for 50 years. Mr. Boyce has also served as a volunteer with the Red Cross at Winn Army Community Hospital for the past 10 years. “I drive the golf cart for the Red Cross, transporting patients back and forth.”