John Wesley Boykin Jr.

John Wesley Boykin, 78, of Punta Gorda, FL passed away February 16, 2020 at the Bayfront Health Punta Gorda after a brief illness. He was born November 12, 1941 in Kenly, NC to John Robert Wesley and Sally Irene (nee Peele) Boykin. The Boykin family moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1947.

John retired from aviation in 2011 and relocated to Punta Gorda, Florida. From the time he first learned to fly a helicopter as an officer of the Richmond Police Department, Richmond, Virginia, John never gave up his love of flight. He went from flying helicopters to flying private jets. John also loved to play tennis and fish.

John is survived by his best friend Wanda Carpenter of Punta Gorda, FL; three children, Jeffrey Scott Boykin, Nokomis Florida, Christopher Edward Boykin, Tampa, FL and Jill Suzanne Howell (Jason), Orlando, FL. Five grandchildren, Natalie Suzanne Howell, Alyxandrea Hope Boykin, Nicholas Moore Howell, Davis Eben Howell and Maggie Jane Howell. He is also survived by two brothers, Billy Elton Boykin (Frances Newman), Tappahannock, Virginia, and Rocky Lafayette Boykin (Sherry Medlin), Lancaster, Virginia. As well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service is being planned for March 8, 2020