Arthur Boynton

Arthur Boynton Jr. was born to the late Arthur Boynton Sr. and Elizabeth (Boynton) Hunter on March 16, 1924.  He was raised by his mother and step-father, Paul “Jack” Hunter.  Arthur was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Kissimmee, Florida.  He confessed his faith and love for Christ at an early age. He graduated from Kissimmee High School.

Arthur met Bessie M. Young on Easter Sunday in 1941.  They fell in love and were married on December 16, 1942.  To this union, six children were born:  Larry, Alvin, Joyce, Anthony, Brenda, and Gwendolyn.

Arthur spent two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later joined the United States Army where he spent 30 years serving his country.  He fought in three wars:  World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.  During World War II, Arthur was in the U.S. Army Signal Corps where he was responsible for replacing field wires to allow soldiers to communicate.  In 1945, Arthur returned to the United States where he was later transferred to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. to receive training as a medic from which he graduated in 1947.  In 1952 during the Korean War, Arthur served as a military medic.  After the Korean War, Arthur was stationed in many cities upon his return to the United States although he eventually settled his family in Indianapolis, Indiana at Fort Benjamin Harrison.  Arthur re-enlisted for one final tour of duty and headed to the Vietnam War in 1970.  After retiring from the military in 1972, he became employed with the Job Corps at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana, where he was a medic until he retired in June 1990.

Arthur was an avid music lover with his favorites consisting of old school gospel, jazz, and rhythm & blues.  Arthur loved to travel, watch old western movies, and baseball.  Arthur played on several softball and baseball teams where he was an excellent pitcher and first baseman.

Arthur was baptized and became a member of Light of the World Christian Church in April 2003.

Arthur loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He loved to eat candy and shared his sweet treats with all of the children which is why he was called the “Candy Man” by his wife, Bess.

Arthur was a quiet, gentle, kind, caring, and loving man with lots of wit and humor.  When he spoke, people listened.

Arthur was proceeded in death by his parents and three of his children (Alvin, Brenda, and Larry Boynton). 

Arthur leaves to cherish his memory:  His loving wife of 74 years Mrs. Bessie M. Boynton; Sister-in-laws: Jacqueline Hairston and Cheyenne Wesley; Brother-in-law: James Stanford; Children:  Joyce Boynton-Bralock, Anthony Boynton, Gwendolyn Taylor (Willie “JT”), Sherry Burks, and Kathy Cox; Grandchildren:  Stacy Miller (Robin), Kevin Boynton (Star), Anthony Boynton II (Shawnte’), Summer Burks Butts (Derek), Brandon Burks (Gina), Tyler Boynton (Aaliyyah), Bradford Sheffield, Sterling Burks, and Terrell McClain; Great-Grandchildren:  Deja Stanek, Na’Shay Franklin, Brittany Miller, Trianna Boynton, Anthony Boynton III, Dylan Butts, Andrea Jones, Stacy Miller II, and Sean Miller; Great-Great Grandchildren:  Logan Butts and Patterson C. Burks; Cousins: Ilene Copeland, Lois Reed, Deanie Kay Copeland, and Ida Mae Copeland; Extended Family: Mary Jo Treadwell King (Rick) and Melvin Smith, James Beckwith (Norma), Sharon Ferguson (Leonard), Brinda McGregory, Mrs. Ruth Davis, Cathy, Jermaine, and Giovanni Wilson, Willis Lane, Dorothy Phillips and family, as well as a host of other family and friends.