Mr. John Henry Boyles, Sr.

A Knight in white satin that did it his way. John Henry Boyles,affectionately known as “John Henry” age 83, passed away on April 4, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of wisdom, love, strength, humor, and deep devotion to family, along with a lifelong appreciation for nature—especially birds.

Born in Ridgeway, South Carolina, to Johnnie and Alberta Boyles, John carried his small-town pride with him wherever he went. He was known for his quick wit, humor, generosity, warm personality and never meeting a stranger.

After graduating from Fairfield County Training School, John moved first to Kannapolis, North Carolina, and then to Newark, New Jersey, where he began working at Shop-Rite. Determined to succeed, he broke barriers by becoming the first Black butcher hired there and later managing the meat department. He went on to work for Metropolitan Meat Packing Company and later State Hotel Supply Company, where he served as a foreman for over 20 years before retiring in 2014. Also, during this time John met and married Pancheta Grooms the mother of three of his children, Omar, Renee, and John Jr. ( JJ). John would also father 2 more children, one with Gene Freeman, a son Cormell and another with Raquel Ferguson, a daughter, Erin.

John lived life on his own terms. As Frank Sinatra would say he did it his way. If you’d let him tell it, he wasn’t the life of the party but the party of life. He was a devoted father, loyal friend, and generous man—always willing to help others. Especially financially. If he had it, you had it. Now he might not help you move a couch, but he would definitely pay someone to move it for you. Known for his humor, wisdom, and storytelling, he especially loved children and had a gift for making them feel at ease. John loved his grandchildren immensely and doted on them every chance he got. All of them were his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Alberta,his sister Betty Joe, and his brother Howard.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Omar, Renee, Cormell, John, and Erin; bonus sons Benjamin Hayes, Ardwin Way, and Alan Jones; grandchildren: Marc, Keisha, Samar, Jonei, Taylor, Jalen, Janel, Ian, Makanna, Fabian, Edward and Lennox; great-grandchildren: Logan and Lennox; siblings DorisDuncan, James Boyles, Alexander Boyles, and RonaldMcClurkin; special friend Raquel Ferguson; 3 daughters in law: Helena Johnson, Ruth Rondon, Carey Johnson and a host of extended family and friends.

John Henry will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him because if nothing else you could always count on him telling a good story...