Harrell Boyles

Harrell Wayne Boyles, of Lonoke, passed away on December 31, 2018 in his sleep, at his second home in Hot Springs, AR.  He was born on December 24, 1949 to Pete and Regina Boyles, of Lonoke, at the Little Rock Baptist Hospital.  Harrell grew up attending the Lonoke Methodist Church.  He obtained his Eagle Scout and was the student class president of the Lonoke High School Class of 1967.  In 1971, after receiving his bachelor’s degree in business, he joined the United State Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant.  While serving his country as a navigator on the KC-135 aircraft, he continued his education and obtained his master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. At the end of a 20-year career in the Air Force, he retired as a Lt. Colonel and Squadron Commander in 1991.

Harrell married his wife, Renee S. Boyles, in February of 1974.  The military moved them and their family of five children many places throughout the United States.  After his retirement from the Air Force, he brought his family back to Lonoke, Arkansas.  Harrell then pursued another career as a dispatcher working at J.B. Hunt trucking and later at Cal Ark trucking in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He is survived by his wife, Renee S. Boyles; his five children: daughter, Richare Laurin; daughter, Reina Alexander (JB Alexander); son, Peter W. Boyles III; daughter, Sharrell Boyles; and son, Preston Boyles (Sarah Boyles); his nine grandchildren, Tabitha (Jeremy), Eva (Stephen), Angie (Michael), Hunter, Madilyn, Taylor, Jaxon, Mazie and Lillian; and two great-grandchildren Jase and Fiona. He is also survived by his mother, Regina J. Boyles; brother, Brad Boyles (Debbie Boyles); sister, Tanya Hensley; sister, Tina Boyles and many nieces and nephews.

Harrell is preceded in death by his brother, Gary L. Boyles and his father, Pete W. Boyles.

Harrell was unconventional, but he loved Jesus, his family, the town of Lonoke, and his country.  He enjoyed traveling, visiting friends and family, telling stories, the horse races, casinos and beer.   He never met a stranger and if you had an opportunity to have a conversation with him, you were sure to learn something new.  He will truly be missed.

Family Visitation scheduled for 1:00pm on Saturday, January 26, 2019 followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke.  Celebration of Life in honor of Harrell W. Boyles at the Lonoke County Museum following the memorial services at 4:00pm. Those attending are asked to honor Harrell and show their Jackrabbit Pride by wearing purple.

Please, in lieu of flowers to his family, donate in memory of Harrell W. Boyles to the Lonoke County Museum in Lonoke.

Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. www.boydfuneralhome.net