Kappa Frater Charles Boyce Passes at 80
Charles Boyce was a business leader, a community champion and a devoted father who taught the value of service by his example.
“He was involved in the struggle for freedom in this community, and he loved this community very much,” said his longtime friend, U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Damon J. Keith.
Mr. Boyce died Oct. 28, at home. He was 80.
Mr. Boyce, a confidante of former Detroit Mayor Coleman A. Young, held several leadership roles at what was then Michigan Bell, including public relations manager and assistant vice president of urban affairs. He retired in 1993.
He served in several leadership roles with the Detroit Urban League, Operation PUSH and the Detroit branch of the NAACP. He was the chairman of the 1983 NAACP Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner.
Mr. Boyce was a graduate of Wayne State University, where he played basketball and became of member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
“I wanted to pursue a career in community and public relations because of my dad,” said daughter Tracy Boyce Walker, an information officer at WSU. “Both my parents made sure we were involved in community activities and understood the importance of service. I thought it was cool that he made a living helping others. He also passed his love for Detroit along to us.”
Other survivors include his wife, Delma; children Terralynn, Charles and LaShawn, and nine grandchildren.
A 10:30 a.m. family hour will precede 11 a.m. services Saturday, at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, 6330 Pembroke in Detroit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Kappa Detroit Foundation, c/o Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Detroit Alumni Chapter, 269 Erskine, Detroit 48202.
