Garland Stephen Boynton

Garland Stephen Boynton “Steve”, 83, of Williamsburg, VA died unexpectedly Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Williamsburg Sentara Hospital. Steve was born on January 30, 1943, in Richmond, VA to his parents George Hopkins and Estelle Poarch Boynton, who preceded him in death.

Steve grew up in Richmond having graduated high school from John Marshall. At an early age he learned the importance of work ethics. During junior and high school, he was a paperboy, delivering newspapers door to door via his bicycle. He also was a bag boy at Ukrop’s grocery in Richmond. His desire to become a mechanical engineer was reinforced by his acceptance to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VA Tech). The goal he set his sights on was achieved in 1969. Steve’s professional career as a mechanical engineer began working for Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. in Newport News, VA. Later he was employed by Chesapeake Paper Products, West Point, VA (later WestRock). He was well-liked and admired by his coworkers and employees who found him to be honest, fair, and supportive; laced with quick wit and playful bantering. After 35 years of holding numerous positions to have included plant engineering and upper management, he retired from the West Point, VA paper mill.

His love for golf and riding his motorcycle with friends did not override his love for his three sons; Jeff (Beth), Matt (Shanna) and Brad Boynton nor did his extracurricular activities shine beyond the pride he shared for his grandchildren, Sarah and Luke Boynton.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Steve is survived by his longtime companion, Pat Currin, VA Beach, VA; his brother, Ronald Hopkins Boynton, “Ronnie” (Armer), Mechanicsville, VA; and his niece, Kim Boynton Greer (Sean), Mechanicsville, VA.

A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.

In lieu of flowers donations in his name are encouraged to Special Olympics or Edmarc Hospice for Children (Portsmouth, VA edmarc.org). Ride the countryside on a motorcycle with your family and friends, watch VT football, improve your golf score by practicing, don’t wear socks with your shoes, give of yourself, your time and attention. When you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 3:00pm with a reception to follow at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.