Former Lincoln County Sheriff Lynn Boyte died Monday, Aug. 21, after an illness.

Boyte was a gradate of the Mississippi Highway Patrol Class 18, and served as a trooper until retiring in the late 1980s after 23 years with MHP.

Boyte then ran for sheriff of Lincoln County, and served for 16 years, from 1988 until 2004.

“Thank you, Sheriff, for your many years of service to the citizens of the State of Mississippi and the citizens of Lincoln County,” a post from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office read.

While recalling his years of service at his retirement reception from the county, Boyte said officers don’t have the luxury of stepping aside or recusing themselves from doing something they may not want to do. They must do things that are morally, legally and spiritually right even if it is not politically popular.

“We’ve just got to make the decision to go ahead and enforce the law,” Boyte said then.

Boyte is survived by his wife, Beckie — who served as his office manager while sheriff, as well as their children, grandchildren and extended family. Funeral visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at Easthaven Baptist Church. The service will be Saturday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. at the church.

“I’ve had a ball. I really have,” Boyte said at his retirement.