GATES – Daniel Alexander Boyce, Jr., 63, of 149 Hazelton Road, Gates, died suddenly, January 14, 2012.

Mr. Boyce was born in Norfolk, VA and was the son of Bessie Brinkley Boyce of Suffolk, VA and the late Daniel A. Boyce, Sr.  A division manager at Smithfield Foods, Inc. where he had worked for 43 years, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Suffolk.

AKA “Rough Rider,” he was an outdoors adventurer, an avid hunter and fisherman, and a long-time member of the Drum Hill Hunt Club where he had served as treasurer.  He had also served on the Gates County Planning Board and was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War where he received numerous medals and awards, including the VSM with two Bronze Service Stars.

In addition to his mother he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia Jones Boyce; two sons, Paul Boyce and wife, Armecia, of Gates and Jack Boyce and wife, Heather, of Eure; a sister, Kathy Grady and husband, Robert, and a brother, Wayne Boyce and wife, Margaret, all of Suffolk, VA; three grandchildren, Gracie, Thomas, and Alexandria Leigh, and another grandchild due in May.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 in Holly Lawn Cemetery, Suffolk, VA.  Friends may join the family on Monday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and other times at the residence.

Flowers are welcomed or contributions may be made to the Gates County Rescue Squad, 16 US Hwy 158 E., Gatesville, NC 27938.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.