Boyce Whitaker, at 81 years old, a retired businessman and nationally recognized FTD Master Florist, passed away November 29, 2020 at his home in Prosperity, SC. Born August 26, 1939, Boyce grew up in Columbia, SC. At the age of 17 years, he joined the US Navy and became a signalman on the destroyer, the USS Robert H. McCard. In his 4 ½ years of serving in the early 60's, Boyce completed two Mediterrainian cruises and took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis and Apollo recovery operations. With a remarkable work ethic and vision being forged in the crucible of enlisted service, he pursued several paths upon separation from the Navy. After marrying his sweet and ever-faithful wife, Mae B. Whitaker of Saludah, NC in 1963, they owned and operated a produce stand on Tunnel Road. While also working nights at SKF as a ball-bearing Technician, he earned two associate's degrees from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in carpentry and business administration. He began building up a substantial business delivering newspapers to over 1500 East Asheville customers for Asheville Citizen-Times before purchasing Sibley's Florist in 1972. For 34 years the couple's artistry, business savy, and solid customer service skills made Sibley's thrive as they tirelessly cared for the varied floral needs of the community. In 2007, Boyce sold Sibley's Florist and retired to reside in Prosperity, SC where he enjoyed mowing the grass and watching the birds. Boyce leaves a legacy of a son and 4 grandchildren. He leaves behind his wife, Mae B. Whitaker after 57 years marriage; son, Michael S. Whitaker and his wife, Tina, of Columbia, SC; and a sister, Sondra Davis and her husband, Dean, of Prosperity, SC. The grandchildren are Chloe Whitaker of San Antonio, Texas, Timothy Whitaker and wife Olivia of Columbia, SC, Adam Whitaker of Columbia, SC, and Daniel Whitaker of Columbia, SC. Boyce wants you to know, that in his journey, God was exceedingly merciful to him; he was the recipient of unmerited favor and blessed beyond measure through his wife and his artistic talents. Boyce's last years demonstrated increased faith and growth in Jesus, his last days marked with a profound peace in trusting Christ who took care of him for so many years. Graveside funeral services will be conducted Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 11:30 AM in McGraw Cemetery in Hendersonville, NC. It is the request of the family that all attending the service adhere to COVID-19 recommendations including wearing a mask and practicing appropriate distancing. Memorial and condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.