T. Bruce Boyette
October 12, 1921 – February 16, 2012

The former City Manager of Wilson, NC died peacefully at his home the night of February 16, 2012. 

Bruce was born to John Bunyan Boyette and Scenna Elmer Smith in Wilson County on October 12, 1921.  He attended Wilson public schools, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Atlantic Christian College, and The Institute of Government in Chapel Hill.  Bruce was employed with the City of Wilson from 1955 to 1985.  He served as Director of Purchasing, Director of Personnel, Acting Director of Finance, Acting Director of Utilities, Assistant City Manager and City Manager from 1969 to 1985.  During his time as Manager, some of his most rewarding achievements for the city were annexing 2300 acres in east Wilson, the building of Buckhorn Reservoir, the building of the sewage treatment plant, construction of a new police station and Fire Stations #1 and #5.  Bruce was extremely  proud  when Wilson was named All American City in 1973.  During his tenure as Manager, Bruce served as President of the NC City County Managers Association and was a member of the NC League of  Municipalities.

In his personal life, the Masonic and Shrine organizations were his passion.  Bruce became a Master Mason August 24, 1951, and later became District Deputy Grand Lecturer.  He was a Master of Mount Lebanon Lodge #117 and named Deputy Grand Master and District Deputy Grand Lecturer.  He received the Joseph Montfort Medal from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, of which he was very proud.  It was truly an honor when Wilson Lodge #117 established an educational scholarship to assist worthy high school students from Wilson County named the T. Bruce Boyette Scholarship Fund.  To date, there have been 34 scholarships awarded, each being $1,000.

He received both York Rite and Scottish Rite Degrees.  He held many positions in both Scottish and York Rite bodies.

He felt his greatest accomplishment was to be coronetted Inspector General Honorary 33rd Degree.  He was the first person in Wilson County to receive this honor.  He served as President of the Wilson County Shrine Club and was appointed to the Divan of Sudan Temple in 1957 and was elected Potentate in 1966.  He has served almost continuously as elected Trustee of the Temple and Emeritus Representative to the Imperial Council of the Shrine, giving him lifetime membership status.  Bruce has occupied the Vice-Presidency and Presidency of the Southeastern Shrine Association and was designated as one of the representatives from Sudan Temple for the formation of the South Atlantic Shrine Association.  He served both SESA and SASA as parliamentarian.

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Alton, J.B., Marvin, Cecil and Roland Boyette; three sisters, Varina Harrison, Alma Ruth Bass and Ethelyn Brown; his first wife of fifteen years , Mena Joyce Brewer and their sons, T. Bruce and Dennis Bruce; and  his second wife of 48 years, Betty Talkington Johnson and son, Harry Andrew.
He is survived by two daughters, Mena Barbara Jarrett (Paul) and Cynthia Williams; son, William Thomas (Anne); seven grandchildren, Jonathon Boyette Iradi, Betty Karen Iradi, Dennis Thurman Boyette, John-Lloyd Bryce Hines, Ellen Dawson Boyette, Sarah Archer Boyette, and Catherine Monroe Boyette.

The family wants to thank WilMed Hospice. Special thanks to his private home caregivers, Jackie Rogers and Theresa Wiggins, and to Mary Simms for her help over the last twenty four years.

The family will receive friends at Joyner’s Funeral Home on Monday February 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by a graveside service in Evergreen Memorial Park at 3 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Sudan Shriners Hospital for Children, 403 East Front Street, New Bern NC 28560 or Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC  27565.

Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net