Gary James Boyer

Gary James Boyer, 77, finished his work here on earth and went to a glorious place with the Lord on July 2, 2010. He was born in Decatur, Illinois October 5, 1932 to Joe and Helen Boyer. Gary grew up in a small town, Mt Zion, Illinois. He served in the United States Army in France during the Korean War, with the Transportation Company and earned a National Defense Service Medal. Gary married, had a family, owned and operated service stations and alignment shops. He moved to Arizona with his family to the Scottsdale area where he was employed as an alignment technician. They lived there for many years, but fell in love with the White Mountains, where he relocated and lived the rest of his life. He loved exploring Arizona with his family and friends; from lakes and streams, to the deserts and mountains but, Gary was a true outdoorsman and a cowboy. He loved the western lifestyle and wildlife. Gary was nicknamed "Speedy". He loved cars, boats, motorcycles, 4x4 trucks and raced go-carts. In his lifetime he built his own hot rods, owned over 110 vehicles, including a Muntz Jet, 3 corvettes, 3 hydroplanes and a wingless airplane, in which he gave people rides. Gary was a man of integrity and a good samaritan to anyone who needed help. He knew how to encourage others and make them feel good about themselves. He lived life to the fullest. Gary was a survivor, bravely facing many trials with great courage and strength. Gary is survived by his former wife, Joan Boyer; 2 sons, Bret and Bart of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughter, Belinda (Mike) Moncur of Show Low, Arizona; grandchildren, Gary and Brian Boyer, James Clark, Sarah (Ricky) Smith; soon to arrive great-grandson, Tristan Smith; sister, Betty (Charles) Yarborough; nephew, Kent (Tina) Yarborough; niece, Krista (Kevin) Rhodes all of Mt. Zion, Illinois; cousins, Bob (Marilyn) Boyer, Richard (Dorothy) Boyer, Baird (Rosie) Boyer and Peggy (Dean) Dawson. He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Boyer; father, Joe Boyer; nephew, Dirk Yarborough. He will be greatly missed by all including his great-dane dog, "Duke".