Robert Bray Boyle

Robert Bray Boyle of McKinney, Texas passed away peacefully on July 19, 2024. “Bob” was born April 25, 1930 in Flushing, New York. Bob moved to University Park, Texas in 1938. He graduated at age 16 from Texas Country Day (now St. Marks). Bob attended Southern Methodist University (SMU), graduating in 1951. He also attended the University of Texas at Austin (UT). Receiving a Navy commission Bob served two years on active duty in Norfolk, Virginia, assigned to the flagship of the amphibious forces of the Atlantic Fleet. He was a Signal Officer. After many years in the Naval Reserve, Bob retired with the rank of Commander. Having earned his Masters degree at SMU, Bob taught for one year in Kingsville, Texas. He then became an Instructor of History at Kilgore College for eleven years. While at Kilgore, he was chosen Teacher of the Year! Bob helped open El Centro College in Dallas in 1966. He served as the first Chairman of the Social Science Division. He also served as Dean of Adult Education for El Centro and as the Personnel Director for the college district. In 1972 he moved to Richland College to serve as Division Chairman and a History Professor. Bob was an extraordinarily gifted instructor and had been told numerous times by former students that he was the best teacher that they have ever had! Bob was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon “DKE” Fraternity at both the SMU and UT Chapters. He was a member of many social clubs over the years: Alumni Association of SMU, SMU Mustang Club, Theodore Roosevelt Association, Dallas Civitan where he had served as President and Lt. Governor. Highland Park Silver Haired Supper Club and ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out). Bob was a member of Central Christian Church for many years. He served as a Deacon and was President of the Elders. He was also an Outreach Director, President of his Sunday School class and occasional teacher. On more than one occasion Bob preached the church sermon on Laity Sunday. Some of Bob’s greatest joys were watching college football, eating (especially sweets), foreign travel with family members, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events & any extracurricular activities, and spending time in his adored East Texas. Bob was married in 1953 for 62 years to the love of his life, Helen Louise Mason Boyle. Helen preceded him in death on December 26, 2015. Bob was also preceded in death by his beloved children, Robert Bray Boyle, Jr. and Margaret Elizabeth Boyle. Bob is survived by daughter, Mary Blanche Boyle Bahr and her husband Mark James Bahr of McKinney, Texas. Plus, his three wonderful grandchildren: Collin Driscoll Bahr of Denver, Colorado, Carson Everett Bahr of Littleton, Colorado and Emily Peyton Bahr of Dallas, Texas. Bob’s final resting place will be in Gladewater, Texas at the historic Rosedale Cemetery with his family and beloved ancestors going back to the early 1800s.

Robert Bray Boyle

April 25, 1930 - July 19, 2024