John Luther Boyter Jr.

John was born in Gastonia on July 4, 1944 and grew up there. He earned a degree in engineering from Gaston Technical College and N.C. State University and remained a lifelong Wolfpack supporter. John began his career in the construction industry in Raleigh, worked promoting economic development in the Triangle with the chamber of commerce, worked as a lobbyist in Washington and Raleigh, and was a successful salesperson in the construction industry, traveling the southeast and making lifelong friends wherever he went.

John loved cars and motorsports, but from the garage area, not the stands. He was never happier than when elbow-deep in the engine bay of a race car. He was an instrumental volunteer member of the Holman-Moody and Bahari NASCAR racing teams in the late 1970s and 1980s, where he used his engineering training and outside-the-box thinking to devise creative solutions to race car problems. John wrenched on racing engines with famed engine builder and good friend Harold Elliott, where he helped develop the now-common practice of finishing internal parts with molecular coatings to reduce friction. His love of cars and racing rubbed off on his sons, who raced cars and karts successfully. John was happiest in the pits and served as unofficial crew chief for his son’s successful SCCA F-Production racing team in the 1990’s. Memories were made working with his sons on their cars and helping them understand the mechanics underneath the sheet metal.

John was also an avid boater and licensed captain, owning sailboats and cabin cruisers and even living on his boat for a number of years. As with his cars, there was nothing on a boat that John did not fix himself. In addition to the full-time job of maintaining his live-aboard boat in Florida during his retirement, John also worked part-time repairing canvas for other boaters. His boats and his cars were always spotless; washing the cars was a favorite weekend activity.

John loved to travel with Liz and go to concerts; they traveled throughout the country during his retirement. They especially enjoyed attending the 24 Hours of Daytona each year. Gregarious and always ready with a story and a quip, John lit up every room with his easygoing attitude, immense sense of humor and hearty laugh. He and Liz made friends wherever they went. John was a self-taught guitarist and cherished his vintage Martin 12-string. He was a lifelong and rabid Red Sox fan.

John is the son of the Elizabeth (Cox) Boyter and John Luther Boyter, Sr., late of Gastonia. He leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 43 years, Elizabeth (Beal) Boyter, and sons John L. “Tripp” Boyter, III, his wife Melissa and their daughter Katie of Mooresville, and Andrew Mauney and wife Ashley and their children, Garret, Kinzley and Kaisley of Hickory. His “foster” son, Zac Moretz, whom he affectionately called “Buzz”, and wife Lisa, of Concord, are also grieving. John is also survived by his sister Julian Ann Smith of Gastonia and sister-in-law Penny Beal of Charleston, SC.

We will remember John fondly every day of the year, but especially on his birthday, July 4th, when we enjoy the fireworks which fill the sky with joy and color the same way John filled a room, and which he joked every year were for him.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations are made in John’s name to Parkinson Research Foundation, at www.parkinsonhope.org. or 5969 Cattleridge Blvd., Suite 100, Sarasota, FL 34232.

A graveside committal will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday June 20, 2022 at Forest Lawn West Cemetery and Mausoleum, 2858 Highway 150, Lincolnton, NC.

Fond memories of John and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Boyter Family.