Boyles grew up in Lincoln County, North Carolina, where his father farmed and owned a country store.
When Gill retired, Boyles ran for the office as a Democrat in the 1976 election and won.
[citation needed] Boyles was sworn in as State Treasurer on January 8, 1977.
Boyles died of cancer at his home in Raleigh on January 23, 2003.
Boyles also authored the book, "Keeper of the Public Purse" detailing his life as Treasurer.