Sam Harvey Boyce, Jr.

Sam Harvey Boyce, Jr., age 55, departed this life on March 20, 2017 due to complications of diabetes. He was preceded in death by his father, Sam Harvey Boyce, Sr. He is survived by his son, William Harrison Boyce and Tara Boyce of Newport; two granddaughters, Braylynn Boyce and Anya Boyce; mother, Jean Chambers Boyce of Newport; brother, Henry Boyce and Adrienne Freeman of Newport; sister, Allison Boyce Hudson and husband, Dean Hudson; as well as his nephews, Will and Joe Hudson of Gulf Breeze, Florida. Known for his congenial personality and intellect, Sam was a gentleman. A student of history and world affairs, Sam enjoyed journalistic pursuits, genealogy, and sports. At a young age he got involved in the Boy Scout program and advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout by age fifteen. Sam studied Liberal Arts at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harding University. While at Westminster he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity which he loved and served as an officer during his early college career. Until his last days he was proud of the affiliations he established there. Sam joined the United States Army in 1984 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. While in the Army he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he earned a Rifle M-16 Expert Qualification Badge. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Newport. At the age of 12, Sam was encouraged by his father to take an interest in golf and began a lifelong love for the game. Several trips to the Pinehurst Golf Academy in North Carolina and endless practice rounds honed his skills and resulted in many trophies and State recognition in the sport as a teenager. His friendships with others of his caliber in competition were engendered throughout his life. In addition to his love for golf and of sports in general his statistical knowledge made him a highly sought after teammate at many a Trivial Pursuit game during family holidays! One of Sam's gifts was his ability to effectively communicate with people from all walks of life. This served him well in his work as a manager of several restaurants in Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas. His journalistic talents were apparent in several areas as an excellent writer with a great turn of phrase. He contributed regularly to the Newport Independent, sharing his findings with the community he loved. His willingness to serve his community resulted in the proudest achievement of his life as an elected member of the Newport City Council. Each person touched by Sam's smile and gentle ways will forever remember the special man who impressed the people who knew him best. In his strictest essence, he was one of the good guys who loved and will always be loved! Memorial services are 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 217 Laurel Street, Newport, Ark. 72112. To light a memorial candle, leave a message of condolence, or sign the guest register, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.