Boyce Smelser, 73

A graveside funeral service for Boyce “Toots” Smelser, 73, of Gainesville, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at the Sims Cemetery, north of Gainesville.

Boyce died Jan. 3, just a few days short of his 74th birthday. Boyce was born on Jan. 7, 1951. 

Known fondly by many as “Toots,” Boyce was a beloved figure in the community and a devoted family man. He was an attendee at First Christian Church for several years. He served as a deacon of the church and had the pleasure of hanging his quotes on the marque. 

Boyce liked to drink sweet tea and Coke. He also liked to indulge in adult beverages while enjoying his favorite music by artists such as Robert Earl Keen, Willie Nelson, David Allan Coe, Tyler Childers and Bob Schneider. 

He loved watching his grandsons play baseball, and he enjoyed a good game of backgammon, chess and battleship. No matter what the score was (as long as he was winning), it was the camaraderie and friendly competition that Boyce loved the most.

Boyce found joy and peace in exploring nature with his wife and dogs, a favorite pastime that allowed him to appreciate the world around him as he found precious rocks and arrowheads. He liked to eat and enjoy company at The Antler, one of his favorite local spots. His zest for life, love for his family and dedication to his community will be greatly remembered and deeply missed.

In honor of Boyce, his family invites his loved ones to raise a glass of sweet tea or their preferred adult beverage, put on a country tune and remember the man who affected many lives. He is in peace now without pain. He sits with his beloved wife of 55 years. May they both rest in peace.

Boyce is survived by his mother, Ellen Smelser; his siblings: Howard Smelser, Denise Lieber, Barbara Enloe and Douglas Smelser; as well as his devoted daughters: Sonja Taylor and Amy Graham. He was a cherished father-in-law to Darren Taylor and a much-loved grandfather to Cody, Austen, Mason, Zane, Tagg, Kathreen and Zechariah.

Boyce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathyrn Smelser; his father, Jesse Smelser; and his grandson, Kelton Valdez.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sims Cemetery. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.