Thomas Charles Boyle

Thomas Charles Boyle entered into eternal rest on December 6, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on January 11, 1938, to Charles "Bucky" and Catherine Boyle. His father worked as a supervisor at the Bethlehem Steel plant.

Tom grew up in Allentown and later graduated from Fountain Hill High School. During high school he developed a passion for cars and mechanics, purchasing his first car—a Model A Ford—for $50. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving overseas in Germany as an aircraft mechanic working on T-33 jets. He often accompanied the aircraft on test flights after servicing them, and it was during those flights that his lifelong love of aviation began.

After completing his service in the Air Force, Tom returned to Pennsylvania and was hired as an aircraft mechanic for Bethlehem Steel Corporation, working on their fleet of corporate aircraft. Using his G.I. Bill benefits, he began taking flying lessons, ultimately earning all of his ratings. He was later hired as a pilot for Bethlehem's aviation department, a role that allowed him to travel across the United States as well as internationally. When Bethlehem Steel's aviation division was disbanded, Tom continued his flying career with several airlines, including Florida Express, Classic Air Charter, and Braniff Airlines, while living in Orlando, Florida. Throughout his distinguished career, he flew a wide range of aircraft, including the Convair 440 and 540, Gulfstream G-1 & G-2, the BAC 1-11, and several models of the Cessna Citation, ultimately logging tens of thousands of flight hours.

Tom retired as a captain in 1992 and moved with his wife, Leslie, and their son, Roger, to Lincolnton, where they built a home in the Plantation Point subdivision. In retirement, he embraced his most cherished role—being a stay-at-home father and helping raise their son—while Leslie continued her aviation career as a captain at US Airways. During his retirement years, Tom enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing on the lake, playing golf at Rocky Branch, and tending to the yard around the home he loved. Throughout the summer months, he could often be seen on his lawnmower several days a week, keeping the property in immaculate condition. His passion for cars continued as well; he completed a full restoration of a 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and was an active member of the Corvette Club of Augusta.

Tom was a member of the Lincolnton Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leslie Dittmer-Boyle; his son Roger Boyle and wife Chelsey of Lincolnton; his son Scott Boyle and daughter Bonnie Boyle, both of Northampton, PA; granddaughters Emersyn and Emilia Boyle of Lincolnton, and Danielle Meldrum of Atoka, TN; grandson Zack Markovcy of Whitehall, PA; and great-grandchildren Kiera, Sophie, and Ian of Atoka, TN.

A visitation and time of reflection will be held on December 12th from 6-8 PM at Beggs Funeral Home in Lincolnton, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to LC Paws, P.O. Box 84, Lincolnton, Ga. 30817 in honor of Tom's lifelong love of animals. He flew many animal rescue missions alongside his son Roger to help transport shelter dogs and cats from overcrowded facilities to their new homes hundreds of miles away. The Boyle family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who supported them during

Tom's final years, with a special thank-you to Ms. Clara McCord for her love, friendship, and devoted care.

Beggs Funeral Home, Lincolnton is honored to serve the family of Mr. Thomas Charles Boyle.