Boyce Turhan Deitz

Boyce T. Deitz

Sylva - Boyce Turhan Deitz, known to many as coach, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023 after a period of declining health. 

He was born in Jackson County on February 10, 1949, to Katie Pannell Deitz and the late Carroll Clayton Deitz.

Boyce was a graduate of Western Carolina University and began his teaching/coaching career at Sylva-Webster High School.  He spent the majority of his career at Swain County High School as a teacher, athletic director, and head football coach where his influence helped shape the lives of many young people.  Boyce received numerous local and state honors for his legendary coaching abilities.  A proud achievement was his leadership building football facilities at Swain and Smoky Mountain High School that the community could take pride in.

After retiring from coaching, Boyce worked for Congressman Heath Shuler and served as a Jackson County commissioner.

Boyce loved history, politics, farming, travel and never missed a chance to tell a story or play a joke on some unsuspecting. soul.

Preceding him in death was a daughter, Kelly, and his father, Clayton Deitz.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Sandra Deitz; daughter, Valerie Tissue; brothers, Randy (Pat) and Tim (Susan) Deitz; sisters, Sheri Deitz and Donna (Frank) Watson.  six grandchildren also survive to include, Jack (Riley), Natalie, and Josh Stuckey and Polly, Jasper, and Penny Tissue; as well as great-grandson, Judah Stuckey.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in the Swain County Memorial Stadium on Boyce Deitz Field followed by a visitation reception in the Swain High gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, P.O. Box 20986, Roanoke, VA  24018, blueridgefriends.org or to a charity of one's choice.