Tommy Walter Boyette
Tommy Walter Boyette, 73, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, at the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke, Virginia, after a courageous battle with Corticobasal Degeneration.
Tommy was born on July 16, 1952, to Wiver and Catherine Boyette. Due to family circumstances, Tommy, his sister Linda, and brother Billy moved to the Odd Fellows Home in Goldsboro in 1956. It was there that he formed cherished lifelong bonds with many “brothers” and “sisters,” whom he considered family. Always full of humor and kindness, Tommy loved sharing stories of his time growing up there, especially ones involving his best friend, Wayne Kornegy.
A proud graduate of Goldsboro High School, Tommy played football, participating in student clubs, and built friendships that lasted a lifetime. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving honorably with the Army Security Agency in Germany. He carried his pride and gratitude for his service throughout his life.
Upon returning home, Tommy attended Wayne Community College before transferring to Elon University. It was at Elon that he met Amy and began their life together. Tommy was the owner of Boyett Construction of Raleigh, NC for 42 years-a job he truly loved. His customers, employees, and coworkers were more like family than colleagues.
Tommy was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in hunting with his close friends from Safari Club International, where he also proudly served as club president for two years. He was a man of faith, a devoted Christian with a generous spirit, honest character, and a quick sense of humor. Tommy had a way of making every person he met feel valued, and he will always be remembered for his kindness, laughter, humility, and his unwavering love for his family.
Tommy was most proud of being an American Soldier, and of his children. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Amy Kepner Boyette; his children, Eric Boyette of Las Vegas, NV, and Allison Boyette of Pinehurst, NC; and his beloved grandchildren, Grant and Kenney. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Boyette Sullivan; nephew Hardy Sullivan, Jr. and wife Kim of Goldsboro, NC; nieces Jennifer Sullivan Glass and husband Jason of Noblesville, IN, Erin Glass of Leland and Olvia, NC, and McKenzie Grace Glass of Noblesville, IN; sister-in-law Ann Kepner Jamison of Roanoke, VA; and his many extended Odd Fellows “family”
Tommy is preceded in death by his father Wiver Grayson Boyette; mother Catherine Outlaw Boyette; brother Billy Boyette and wife Barbara; and brothers-in-law Hardy Sullivan, and Dan Kepner.
Our family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of the Virginia Veterans Care Center of Roanoke for their devoted and compassionate care during these past two and a half years. We would also like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice of Roanoke for their kindness, tenderness, and invaluable support.
Tommy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His strength, humor, faith, and love have left a mark on our hearts that will never fade.
