Mike Boyce, who served a single term as Cobb County’s chairman, died Tuesday in South Bend, Indiana at the age of 72.

Boyce had suffered a pair of strokes earlier this month in Indiana followed by surgery there.

An online post by his wife Judy said her husband died peacefully. “He was beloved by his family and friends. He was a man of God who always put other people first,” Judy Boyce wrote.

Cobb County posted the news on its government website and Facebook page Tuesday night, saying the government family “is deeply saddened to learn” of Boyce’s passing. “Although the retired Marine Colonel often leaned on his military leadership skills, those who worked for him knew he had a soft heart for the county’s employees and often preached he needed to ‘take care of his troops,” said the post.

Current Cobb County chairwoman Lisa Cupid worked with Boyce for four years before taking the reins of the commission. “I am devastated by Mike’s passing,” said Cupid. “He loved the county and our country and dedicated himself to making Cobb a better and more inclusive place for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this very difficult time.”

A Republican, Boyce served one term as chair of Cobb’s Board of Commissioners from 2016 to 2020. He would give up the post four years later in an election loss to Cupid – a Democrat.

Boyce was a California native who served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps before retiring in 2001 to serve in government and as a military contractor.

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