Burell is survived by his wife of 68 years, Doris "Cheiko" Boyd; sons: Rick (Gail) Boyd, Clark (Mary) Boyd; daughter: Dianne (George) Lyrene; grandchildren: Bree (Phillip) Ethridge, Brian (Kristin) Boyd, Thomas Boyd, Kate (Benjamin) Marchand, Susan (Nathan) Phipps, Sydney Chambers; great grandchildren: Taylor, Reese and Walker Ethridge; Bella, Addie and Olivia Boyd; and Amauri Marchand; sister: Donna Farris; and brother: Jim (Willodean) Boyd.
Burell was preceded in death by his parents: Etcyel Burell and Nora Edison Boyd; sister: Mary June Jebeles and brother: Derwood (Mildred) Boyd.
Burell enlisted at 18 years old to serve our country for 20 years in the Air Force. He was a graduate of Fairview High School Class of 1948. He was a member of Fairview First United Methodist Church (85 years) where he taught Sunday school for many years. He served the community for many years as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. He helped establish and worked for East Cullman Water Association for 18 years. He served the Town of Fairview as one of their Councilman. He was an avid gardener, where he took many 1st prize ribbon at the county fair every year he entered. He and his lovely wife spent many winters in Florida.
A celebration of life visitation for Burell will be held Monday, August 9, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Moss-Service Funeral Home, 1901 2nd Avenue, N.W., Cullman, Alabama 35055. Mr. Boyd will lie in state from 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM with a celebration of life funeral service will occur Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Fairview First United Methodist Church, 1100 Wesley Avenue N, Cullman, AL 35058. An interment will occur Tuesday, August 10, 2021. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Burell's memory may be made to Fairview First United Methodist Cemetery Fund, 1100 Wesley Avenue N, Cullman, Alabama 35058.
Thank you for honoring our father by attending this event and paying your respects. Unfortunately given the current risks due to COVID we respectfully request that you wear a mask and practice social distancing while honoring dad.
It is with our deepest regret and due to our genuine desire to protect the well being of our friends, family and community that we will not be able to attend the celebration of life visitation or to host a social gathering after the funeral.
It pains us greatly to not be able to receive your personal expressions of respect at this occasion. Dad was a gregarious, social person who loved people of all color and position in life. He enthusiastically expressed his love of people with hugs and earnest conversation. Equally he was a highly disciplined person with a strong sense of personal responsibility to his country and fellow man. He would want all of us to honor his memory by doing the right things to protect the safety of our friends, family and our community at large. That would make him very proud.
We know that you want to express your respects to Mom and the family and would encourage you to send your thoughts and videos to this Facebook page "The Boyd Family" We would love to hear from you and have a permanent memory of your thoughts to comfort us in the times ahead.
Those that are unable to attend may watch the funeral ceremony on this Facebook page "Fairview 1st UMC" at 10:00 central time on Tuesday, August 10th. It will broadcast from the Fairview First United Methodist Church.
Dad was indeed a great man with a genuine love of people. Please honor his memory by understanding our desire to serve the interests of our community in making these very difficult decisions.
The Boyd Family
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mossservicefh.com for the Boyd family.
In lieu of flowers please contribute to Fairview First United Methodist Cemetery Fund.
