Carrickfergus ‘deeply saddened’ by death of World War Two veteran

Tributes have been paid to Carrickfergus World War Two veteran and former footballer William (Billy) Boyce, who died on Monday.
Four generations of the Boyce family, RAF veteran Billy (centre), who was marking his 100th birthday on November 7, daughter Betty Stewart (right), granddaughter Joanne Macfarlane and great grandson Joshua Macfarlane.Four generations of the Boyce family, RAF veteran Billy (centre), who was marking his 100th birthday on November 7, daughter Betty Stewart (right), granddaughter Joanne Macfarlane and great grandson Joshua Macfarlane.
Four generations of the Boyce family, RAF veteran Billy (centre), who was marking his 100th birthday on November 7, daughter Betty Stewart (right), granddaughter Joanne Macfarlane and great grandson Joshua Macfarlane.

Mr Boyce, who celebrated his 100th birthday in November, played for Carrick Rangers, Portadown and Crusaders. He later joined the committee at Taylor’s Avenue.

A member of the Carrickfergus branch of the RAF Association for many years, people will remember him manning the Wings Appeal stalls that featured in local supermarkets.

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Noel Williams, chair of Carrickfergus RAFA branch, said: “We are greatly saddened to learn of Billy Boyce’s death. Coming so soon after his 100th birthday and days before Christmas, it is a real blow.

Billy Boyce with his silver poppy presented by Mid and East Antrim Council.Billy Boyce with his silver poppy presented by Mid and East Antrim Council.
Billy Boyce with his silver poppy presented by Mid and East Antrim Council.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Only last month, the Belfast native was joined by four generations of his family for his milestone birthday. Colleagues from RAFA Carrickfergus branch had the opportunity to extend best wishes too.

And the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, presented Mr Boyce with a silver poppy to mark his contribution on the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (click here ).

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The centenarian also received a Carrick Rangers football shirt with his name and 100 on the back.

Billy joined Carrick in the 1948/49 season and scored the winning goal against Queen’s University which saw the club lift the Amateur League title for the first time in their history.

In a statement, Carrick Rangers said they was saddened to learn of the passing of their former player and committee member.

The statement added: “Billy had recently turned 100 in November, and the club were pleased to mark the occasion by presenting him with a special shirt.

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“Everyone at the club is deeply saddened to hear of Billy’s passing and would like to offer our condolences to the Boyce family circle.”

Born in St Auben Street in North Belfast, on November 7, 1920, Billy was the second of five children (two boys and three girls) born to William and Alice Boyce. Two of his sisters are still living, Frances (98) and Marie (94).

A plater with Harland & Wolff shipyard, Belfast, he joined the RAFA when war broke out and became an aircraft electrical technician. He met Navy Wren Jean McGhie in Scotland, they married in 1945 and went on to have three children, Maureen, Betty and Billy.

Following demob in 1947, Billy and Jean settled down in Northern Ireland, where he worked with Service Washing Machines and more notably with Standard Telephones & Cables.

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Pre-deceased by his wife Jean, Billy Boyce is survived by his daughters, Betty and Maureen and son, Billy.

Due to the current restrictions, a small family funeral service will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, December 23).

Donations in lieu of flowers if desired are encouraged to NI Children’s Hospice. c/o S & J Irvine, 31-35 Irish Quarter South, Carrickfergus BT38 8BL.

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