Stanley, NC — James Kenneth Boyte, 66, died Sunday, December 31, 2017, at home following a brief illness.

He leaves his wife of 41 years, Sharlee (Thompson) Boyte; his mother, Mrs. E.L. McAmis, his uncle, Arthur Leon Boyte and his wife, Jerlene; his sister, Linda Boyte Pettit and her husband, Phillip; and many other relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Earl Boyte; his birth mother, Mary Glenn Brown; his uncle, Herbert Lee Boyte; and his brother, Richard Lavon Boyte.

Born in Natchez, MS, Ken made his home in North Carolina after serving in the United States Marine Corps. He attended North Carolina State University, graduating with a BS degree and obtained his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.

He met his wife, Sharlee, at Wrightsville Beach, NC and they were married in 1974.

Ken retired from Airgas, Inc. He was an avid golfer and was a longtime member of Cowans Ford Country Club, but he totally enjoyed the game of pickleball.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made to UNC-TV Public Media North Carolina and the Hospitality House of Charlotte.

A special thanks to the wonderful staff at Southern Oncology Specialists.

Ken instantly made you feel as if you had known him forever and will be greatly missed.