Thomas Robert Boyer, age 74, of Independence, VA passed away unexpectedly at his home in Independence on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.  He was born in Wythe County on December 30, 1951, to Robert Hale and Nannie Phipps Boyer.  Following his high school graduation, he studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.  For many years he worked at the Southwestern Virginia Training Center in Hillsville, VA.  Toward the end of his career, prior to retirement he worked at the Nursing Homes in Sparta and Independence. Tom was a quiet man who loved working with numbers.  He closely followed and kept count of the long days of winter in anticipation of the arrival of springtime, his favorite season.  He was an avid fan of baseball, especially the Cardinals and Yankees!  He could impress anybody with his knowledge of baseball stats which he studied diligently.  He was a skilled rook player who valued both the game's mental challenge and the camaraderie of his fellow players. Tom was dependable and was always happy to provide a ride or serve his fellowman in anyway.  He was especially fond of seafood in any capacity.  He loved to finish off any meal with black licorice, an acquired taste not yet developed by his much-loved grandson, Liam.  He made no secret about his love for his daughter, Ashley.  He delighted in watching her become the woman, wife, and mother that brought him so much pride. Tom nurtured and cherished a relationship with Jesus which supported and sustained him through the dark days of his life.  His family and his church family at One Way Baptist Church are greatly comforted in knowing that his passing has brought him safely home in Heaven for which he has so long sought!

He was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Jose Wengerd of Independence, VA; one sister, Carol Noblett of Independence, and one grandson, Liam Wengerd of Independence.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Eddie Roland and Rev. Jose Wengerd officiating.  Private burial will follow in the Salem Cemetery in Independence.

Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Boyer family.