Phineas Shera Boyer, 1916-2003

  The Rev. Phineas Shera Boyer was born in Washington, D.C., March 27, 1916, son of J. Leonard and Mary McGurk Boyer. He married Charlotte Johnson Miller on April 30, 1938, in a garden ceremony at the home of the bride in Ashland, Va. They were blessed with the birth of their daughter Charlotte Anne on June 17, 1940. Phin was fortunate to enjoy two granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and a great-grandson during his life.

  Rev. Boyer was educated at Randolph-Macon Academy, where he earned the distinction of being the salutatorian of his graduating class. He served in the United States Navy from 1942-1944. He graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 1957 and was admitted to the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1958. Before entering the Virginia Conference, he served as postmaster in Ashland, Va.

  He served churches in Fredericksburg, Chesterfield, Jarratt, Chesapeake, Roanoke, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk and Emporia. After his retirement in 1982 he served as administrator at the Roper Home in Norfolk and served as interim pastor at numerous churches over the next 15 years.

  Phin was a 50-year member of the Ashland Masonic Lodge No.168 serving as treasurer for many years. He also was a 50-year member of the Scottish Rite Bodies and the Eastern Star.

  Rev. Boyer was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years in 1997.

  He is survived by his daughter Charlotte Boyer Jones and her husband Fred of Hardyville, Va.; two granddaughters Becky Dixon and her husband Mac of Glen Allen, Va.; and Anne Waddy Jones Stallard and her husband Steve of Richmond, Va; and three grandchildren Beth Dixon, and Joshua and Jessica Stallard. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Elizabeth Keating, of North Canton, Ohio.

  A service of celebration was held on Saturday, July 26 in the chapel at Bliley’s Funeral Home on Staples Mill Rd. in Richmond, Va. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. Purnell Bailey and the Rev. Robert Earl Thompson. Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ashland, Va.

  He was truly loved by many; and led many to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Most certainly he heard the words: "Well done my good and faithful servant."