In Loving Memory of Heyward E. Boyce III

Heyward E. Boyce III, Commander, US Navy, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 23, 2026, at Bentley Village in Naples, Florida, just shy of his 92nd birthday. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Heyward dedicated his life to military and government service, civil engineering, and family. He began his distinguished naval career as an airman recruit in 1951, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1957 and served aboard the cruiser USS Northampton. He was later accepted into the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps, rising to the rank of senior officer as a Commander. Heyward served with honor in numerous locations worldwide, including Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" during the Tet Offensive. After retiring from the Navy in 1980, he continued his civil engineering career in North Carolina and Florida, serving in private industry, Collier County government, and as Director of Physical Plant at Bentley Village in Naples. He considered this last job perhaps the most rewarding of his lifetime assignments, calling it “more fun than one is entitled.” Heyward was also a devoted public servant, getting elected to the Marco Island City Council from 2000 to 2004, where he made significant contributions to the (then new) city’s growth and development. He “eased” into another retirement by doing engineering consulting and helping the Marco Island Yacht Club manage engineering and construction projects, while enjoying the camaraderie of the other members, particularly on boat trips. He and his beloved wife Ann traveled extensively, including over 20 annual reunions of the extended Boyce family in locations around the world. As the head of the family, the reunions were his vision, and he considered them to be his proudest lifetime achievement. He was known for his sharp, funny wit, and he was also a kind and generous man who was well-liked and respected by all who met him. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ann Albert Wilson Boyce; their three children, Ann Elizabeth, Thomas Heyward, and Louise Frances; grandchildren; and extended family.

A celebration of life will be held on August 15, 2026, at the Hilton Marco Island from 2:00 to 4:30 PM. Heyward will be interred at the U.S. Naval Academy Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of him to San Marco Church on Marco Island (https://sanmarcochurch.org/online-giving/). Condolences and remembrances may be shared on his Tribute Wall along with his obituary at Legacy Options (https://www.legacyoptions.com/obituary-listing).

Coastal Breeze News July 2, 2026