Boyette, Ray Algram

Ray Algram Boyette
February 13, 1921 - June 13, 1990
Son of David Larkin and Lillian Woodard Boyette
Married Grethel McLamb April 19, 1945

Children : Douglas Ray and Donald Larkin Boyette, Martha Boyette Gaines and Armatha Anne Boyette

Grandchildren: Penny, Walton and Jonah Boyette, Sarah Midgette, Claire, Meredith and Julia Boyette, Benjamin, Rebecca and Mary Elizabeth Gaines

Sisters: Doris B. Creech, Theramae B. Jackson, Nancy B. Foster, Peggy B. Brady and Priscilla B. Peed

Ray Boyette was born near Kenly on the family farm. He attended Glendale School and was a 1942 graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in March of 1942, soon after the United States entered World War II, and served until March of 1946, having achieved the rank of full lieutenant. He was active in the American Legion until his death.

Ray founded Blue Flame Gas Company in Kenly and Durham with his college friend, Joseph Glenn Blow, in March of 1947. They later operated Petroleum Tank Corporation in Kenly and Raleigh. After Mr. Blow's death in 1982, Don Boyette assisted with management of the family businesses. Ray was active in the North Carolina Propane Gas Association and he represented North Carolina on the National Propane Gas Association Board of Directors for fifteen years. He served the community through fourteen years on the Johnston County Board of Education, twelve of those years as chairman; through thirty five years of Kiwanis membership; through the Boy Scouts of America Tuscarora Council Board; and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Heritage Bank.

From 1987, until his death, he was chairman of the Johnston County Committee on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, a group which sought to educate
citizens about the constitution and to promote patriotism and pride in our country. Many projects were carried out with these aims in mind. The most notable of these projects was the production of the Historical Drama "Johnston" which depicted the history of Johnston County from the 1700's until the late 1960's. He considered his work with the bicentennial committee one of the greater contributions of his life because he believed that without the privileges of living in a free society, all the other ways he had tried to serve might not have been possible.