Marion Boykin

Marion J. Boykin, Jr., 86, of Wilson, died Thursday, December 10, 2020.

A service will be held for and at the convenience of the family.

He was owner and operator of the former Starlite Drive-In Theatre and Putt Putt Golf Course in Wilson along with many other movie theatres in Eastern NC over the years.  He owned the Burger Boy Restaurant and The Creamery Family Restaurant in Wilson, The Atlantic Station Cinema in Atlantic Beach and The Emerald Plantation Cinema in Emerald Isle.

Mr. Boykin was a member of the Rotary Club of Wilson with perfect attendance for 32 ½ years.  He served as president from 1987-88 and was a two time M. J.  Bird recipient in 1985 and 1990.  He participated in Meals on Wheels and was former chairman of Wilson Crime Stoppers.

He served honorably as a Sergeant in the NC Army National Guard for 16 years and was discharged in March of 1963.

An active member of Forest Hills Baptist Church, he taught Sunday School for 35 years, was Brotherhood Director for 22 years, served three terms as a Deacon and two terms as Chair of Deacons, served as van committee chair for 27 years, By-Law Committee Chair, Finance Committee, Chair of the Pastor Search Committee, Building Committee two terms, Foundation Committee, Chair of the Five Points Missionary Baptist Church Sale Committee, served four terms as Trustee and was on the Transportation Committee.

Mr. Boykin participated in many other civic and community service activities.

He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed gardening in his backyard. In 1977, he earned his private single engine pilot license.

Mr. Boykin was preceded in death by parents Marion J. Boykin Sr. and Mary Lee Williamson Boykin.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Tillie Gay Boykin; son, Marion J. Boykin III (Vanessa) of Tarboro; daughter, Kim Boykin Tutor (Shawn) of Wilson; grandchildren, Matthew Boykin (Allie), Brittany Edwards and Braxton Tutor; great-grandson, Walker Boykin; brother, Kanie Boykin (Jean) of Durham; sisters, Polly Yelverton (Albert) of Wilson and Mary Jo Stancil (Edward) of Wilson; many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his work family, not employees, who will carry out his legacy to the very best of their abilities. Additionally he was preceded in death by several loyal and dedicated members of that work family.

Flowers are welcome or memorials are suggested to Forest Hills Baptist Church, 1604 Forest Hills Rd, NW, Wilson, NC 27896 or to Rotary International, 1560 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL, 60201.