Boyce Afton Gillihan

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Boyce Afton Gillihan, son of the late Simon Paul Gillihan and Verla Mae Smith Gillihan, was born on August 15, 1925 in Twin Creek, Arkansas. The oldest of seven children, Boyce was a steady, guiding presence leading by example with a selflessness and work ethic matched by few. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the US Army; and after returning to Izard County, he was united in marriage to Frances Ernestine Mynatt on December 21, 1946. Together they stayed for 72 years, raising three children. Boyce spent his working years logging, milling, and raising cattle as part of The Gillihan Brothers. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and dancing a jig – doing everything with his signature laugh. He spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, provider, and friend. He was of the Church of Christ faith and a member of the Twin Creek Church of Christ and a member of the Melbourne VFW.

Boyce departed this life April 10, 2024 at his home in Melbourne, Arkansas. He is survived by three children: Joyce Anna Baker of Melbourne, Ricky Afton Gillihan of Melbourne, Sherry Lea Smith and husband Charles of Melbourne; one sister: Geneva Blankenship; four grandchildren: Renee Lindsey and husband Dan of Calico Rock, Casey Gillihan and wife Emily of Derby, Kansas, Jonathan Baker of Violet Hill, Bill Baker and wife Angela of Mount Prospect, Illinois; eight great-grandchildren: Keegan Gillihan, Corbin Gillihan, Aricka Lindsey, Lawren Lindsey, Bailey Baker, Liam Baker, Frances Baker, and Lena Baker; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Frances, four brothers: Shelby, Junior, George, and Clifton, and one sister Kathrean.

Visitation and funeral service will be Saturday, April 13 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Donald Gillihan officiating.  Burial will follow at Combs Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Bill Baker, Jonathan Baker, Casey Gillihan, Ronnie Gillihan, Dwight Gillihan and Toby Smith.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Mike Gillihan, Dan Lindsey and Alan Love.