Billy Daniel Boyette "Bill" Sr.

Published in Ledger on 7/22/2009

LAKELAND - Mr. Billy Daniel "Bill" Boyette, Sr., age 81, died of Monday (July 20, 2009) from chronic obstructive lung disease.

Born in Charlotte, N.C., on April 13, 1928, he came here from Winston-Salem, N.C., in 1951.

He was a shop foreman for Wilson Electric.

He also pitched for the NY Giants franchise in the Florida Grapefruit League and the Pilots in the Minor League in the early 50's. He held two league records with an ERA of 1.91 in 1955 and led the state league with 68 games.

He was interviewed by The Ledger in June of 1998. His children say "He was a heck of a dad".

Mr. Boyette is survived by his wife Martha Boyettte, Lakeland; sons Billy Daniel "Danny" Boyette, Jr., (Tracy), Carl Preston Boyette, Sr., (Sharon), both of Lakeland; daughter Debra B. Cayson, (Phillip), Lakeland; brother William Boyette, Hickory, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2009 at Lanier Funeral Home Chapel.