William Grey Boyles

On Wednesday, November 12, 2014, William Grey Boyles went home to be with the Lord. He passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with heart disease. Grey, also known as "Coach" Boyles, was born August 6, 1932, in Surry County, to Willie Isham and Emma Jane McGee Boyles. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War in the Second Division, 72nd Tank Company. Upon his return, he attended Appalachian State Teachers College (ASU) to pursue his career in teaching and coaching, graduating with a B.S. degree in education. He later received a master's degree in education and administration from the University of Central Florida. He loved sharing his knowledge with his students, but his favorite classroom was the football field. His coaching career spanned more than 35 years and included a variety of sports in North Carolina and Florida schools. While passionate about sports and coaching, he was also a devoted father and husband to his three daughters and to his wife, Ilene Pruitt Boyles. They were married for over 57 years and she was the love of his life. Grey will be remembered for his independent spirit, sense of humor, and most importantly his love for his students. "Coach" touched many lives in his 82 years and kept his "tell-it-like-it-is" attitude, with love and humor until the end. Grey was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Airy. He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and volunteered at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History. He is survived by his wife, Ilene Pruitt Boyles of the home; daughter, Lynne Brandon of Greensboro; daughter, Michelle Sahol and husband, Jeff, of Greensboro; and daughter, Jenni Holt of Greensboro. Grey has a brother, Jimmy Ray Boyles of Pinehurst; and a sister, Mary Jane Boyles Lynch who preceded him in death. He was a loving grandfather to Andrew Grey Sahol, Bryan Paul Sahol, Emma Jane Sahol, Megan Camille Holt, Joel Brennen Holt, and Julia Ilene Holt. The family would like to express their gratitude to Mountain Valley Hospice for their loving care. Visitors will be received at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Friday, November 14, 2014. The funeral service will be at First Presbyterian Church of Mount Airy at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 15, 2014, with Dr. Rob Evans officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Skyline Memory Gardens, with full military honors by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard.