Ellis Eugene “Shorty” Boyles, 95, of Salem, Illinois passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Twin Willow Nursing Home with his children at his side. Eugene was a faithful member of Old Bethel Church, rural Iuka. He retired from Hollywood Brands with 35 years service. He was also a farmer. He loved to play the banjo, and will be remembered for playing along with his wife Bertha on WJBD radio, and entertained at Silver Doller City, Branson, MO for 23 years.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday at the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home in Salem, follow with burial in Old Bethel Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 12 O’clock noon until the service hour at the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, 310 N. Broadway, P.O. Box 97, Salem, IL 62881 (618) 548-1234. It is important to wear a mask, and respect social distancing in accordance with the CDC and State of Illinois Phase 4 Revitalization guidelines. Masks will be made available. Memorials may be made to Old Bethel Cemetery and will be accepted by the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, entrusted with the family’s care. On line condolences may be left at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.
Surviving are his children, Faye Rankin of Kell, IL, Verle Boyles of Salem, IL, Joe Boyles and girlfriend Nancy Reed of Salem, IL, Tony Boyles and wife Melinda all of Odin, IL and Lucian Boyles and wife Jin of Dover, Delaware. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Vera Charlton of Salem, IL.
Born January 2, 1926 in Iuka, he was the son of John H. and Lena (Stuber) Swalley Boyles. He united in marriage with Bertha Louisa Milburn, December 10, 1944 in Macon, Georgia and she preceded him in death, April 29, 2010. In addition to his loving wife and parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Perry Boyles in 1967, his son-in-law Ed Rankin and several brothers and sisters.
