Donnie was born in Houston July 19, 1941 to Nola Katherine Cargill Boyd and Charles Harmon Boyd. In 1955 the family moved to Willis, his mother’s hometown. Donnie graduated from Willis High School in 1959. He attended University of Houston pursuing a degree in commercial art.
In 1961 he had his first date with Jackie. Their first date was on his parents wedding anniversary, September 21, 1961 and a love story began. Their wedding was February 29, 1964 based on God’s guidance, love and devotion that is unbreakable, steadfast and strong for almost 59 years with God at the center, always.
Chuck was born in 1966, Scott in 1971 and Mary Katherine in 1972.
Donnie worked 22 years for the Houston Chronicle where he became night foreman of the engraving department. He drove back and forth to Houston for a good portion of that time with his dad.
In 1980, he and his family moved to their dream and beloved Big Bend area, first in Alpine where he worked in the printing department and news and information of Sul Ross State University (SRSU). While there, he continued his education in art, history and coffee drinking!
After retiring from SRSU he pursued another dream. He bought and operated “The Burnt Biscuit” in Marathon. He and Jackie moved to Marathon in 2003, God’s country. He became master of the pies, fried pies that is. He sold and sent them as far as Dallas, Corpus Christi, Houston, Georgia and New York City!! He loved making those pies and they were delicious too!
Donnie loved art, country music, fishing, camping, hiking, watching a certain “news channel”, talking, playing golf with his sons and brother, and drinking coffee. He never met a stranger and was ready whether you were or not to talk about his fried pies and Marathon Texas! He was mild mannered, sweet, conservative and he loved nature, life and loved to joke.
He worked hard for his family, carried them to church, always put them first and loved them fearlessly. Life was an adventure for him and Jackie. Side by side, hanging on to each other no matter what. Talking endlessly about plans, problems, purchases, and dreams, only if that was God’s plan.
Donnie never complained about anything. He walked, of course he was never in a hurry, to his very own beat. He respectfully would say “don’t worry about it” and even to the end would say “we are going to be ok.” He never admitted he had Alzheimer’s, never got mad about it and remained thankful and faithful to God. An unbreakable chain with Jesus.
Wife: Jacquelin Ann Graham Boyd, Children: Charles (Chuck) Donald Boyd Jr; wife Darlene, James Scott Boyd, wife Courtney, Mary Katherine Elsner Boyd, husband Einar, Grandchildren: Charles Donald (Cody) Boyd III, wife Kristen, Robert Colton Boyd, wife Darrian, Chase Wyatt Boyd, wife Brianna, Chance Everett Boyd, wife Dominique, Annie-Caroline Rose Boyd, Hattie-Mae Lilly Boyd, Daniel Einar Elsner, William Brenton Waldman-Boyd, Trevor Augusto Elsner-Boyd, Isabella Brielle Ann Elsner-Boyd, Great Grandchildren: Emma Kate Boyd, Jack Henry Boyd, Lane Alexander Boyd, Everett James Boyd, Brother: Robert Cargill Boyd, wife Cindy, Brother-in-law: James L. Graham, Nephew: James L. Graham Jr., Great nephews: Peyton Graham, Parker Graham, Great Niece: Macey Monet Graham. He was preceded in death by grandson Brent and great grandson Everett.
Service Monday August 1 at 10 am Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe TX 77303.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in memory of Charles Donald Boyd to Windcrest Health & Rehab 6050 Hospital Drive, Abilene Texas 79606 (325)692-1533 Attn: Alana Tollett