Rev. Harry R. Boyle

Harry Raymond Boyle was born in South Portland, Maine, on March 2, 1936. He was promoted to Heaven on February 4, 2010. His long life of service to his Savior and others has left a legacy and impact that will continue through the lives he touched in Maine, through Boston Baptist College, and around the world.

Dr. Boyle grew up on Peaks Island across the bay from Portland, Maine. He was saved while serving our country in the US Air Force. It was, in fact, while he was stationed in Texas that he met Georgia Yancy at a youth group at Grace Baptist Church of Amarillo. After their marriage in 1958, the Boyles served on the staff of Grace Baptist under Pastor M. O. Garner. During his tenure in Amarillo, Boyle earned both a bachelor and masters degree from West Texas State University and was later granted a Doctor of Divinity from Faith Baptist Seminary.

In June, 1970, the Boyles moved their young family back to Portland, Maine, to plant Grace Baptist Church there, a church Dr. Boyle pastored until his retirement in November, 2008. He continued to preach and teach at area churches until his death.

When the Baptist Bible Fellowship started a college (Baptist Bible Institute/College East) in Shrub Oak, New York, Dr. Boyle got involved in the new venture. He became vice president of BBCE in December, 1979. In 1981, the college moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and, in February, 1985, Dr. Boyle became president. He held this office until May, 2006, when he was named Chancellor of the college. Lt. Col. Jack Henry, a long-time friend and colleague says that Dr. Boyle was the college’s prayer warrior and that “through faith and prayer he often helped lead the college through difficult days and to accomplish things that looked impossible.”

Along those same lines, David Melton, current president of Boston Baptist College, says, "Dr. Boyle simply refused for Boston Baptist College to fail. With his words, his tireless efforts, his influence, his indomitable spirit, and his godly example, Harry Boyle accomplished what no other person of our times did - or maybe even could do...he led a Baptist ministry college in Boston from infancy to maturity. While he continued to lead Grace Baptist, he solidified a college that will continue to educate and replicate Baptist leaders for generations. All of this in his native New England...where so many say it ‘can't’ be done. And he did it all with integrity - Dr. Boyle was one of those rare and remarkable men who was most loved and respected by those who knew him best."

Dr. Boyle was a leader of the Baptist Bible Fellowship of Maine, serving as its chairman on many occasions. He was also instrumental in the planting of many young churches throughout Maine and New England.

Written tributes and memories may be e-mailed to [email protected]. Please place your full name in the subject line, and all tributes will be organized in permanent form for the family.

Dr. Boyle is survived by his wife, Georgia B. (Yancy) of Westbrook; four children: Scott A. Boyle and his wife Marcia of LaPorte, Texas, Keith R. Boyle and his wife Jill of Gresham, Oregon, Valarie K. Simoneau and her husband Dan of Baldwin, and Corey B. Boyle of Westbrook, who is on the staff of Boston Baptist College; eight grandchildren; Samantha Boyle, Kaycee Boyle, Kelsey Simoneau, Shelby Simoneau, Sadie Boyle, Ashley Boyle, Harrison Boyle and Haddon Boyle, two sisters, Estelle Whitten of Westbrook, Betty Ann Hanson of Buxton, two brothers, Elbridge Boyle of Portland and Raymond Boyle of Lewiston, many nieces and nephews and he is also survived by generations of spiritual children who love and treasure the legacy he passed on to so many.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Grace Baptist Church, 476 Summit St., Portland Friday, February 19 from 7-9 p.m. where a funeral and celebration of Dr. Boyle’s life will be held Saturday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m.

People were near and dear to Dr. Boyle’s heart, so much so that in lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the “Dr. Harry R. Boyle Memorial Missions Fund”. A fund to promote and support the children's ministries of Grace Baptist Church, missions and missionaries at home and abroad, for the purpose of reaching the lost for Christ, administered by Grace Baptist Church, Portland, ME. (476 Summit St., Portland, ME 04103)

For additional information please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com

Arrangements by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, ME 04103