Boyd S. McCrite

Boyd S. McCrite, age 90, entered into rest May 3, 2026. He was a resident of Glendale, Arizona. Born January 26, 1936, in Avon, Colorado, Boyd was the fourth of six children born to Edward and Evalee McCrite. When he was 8 years old, Boyd moved with his family to Gilbert, Arizona, where they began attending a church in Mesa. There, in Sunday school, he met Jane—who would become his wife—and also met his future mother-in-law, Lillie, their Sunday school teacher. In high school, Boyd played tennis and contributed his talent as a cartoonist for the school yearbook.

As a young man, Boyd served as part of the Arizona National Guard, prior to fulfilling his love for automobiles, reflecting a steady sense of duty and commitment that would continue to mark his life.

Boyd and Jane were married on January 26, 1955, and shared 71 years together. They welcomed their daughter, Sherrie, in October 1955, followed by their son, Randy, in June 1959. During their children’s younger years,the McCrite family traveled across the United States with their car and tent trailer, visiting family and building a lifetime of shared memories. For their 50th wedding anniversary, their children pooled their funds and sent Boyd and Jane to Hawaii—a fitting tribute to a couple whose devotion to family was returned with deep love and gratitude.

Boyd worked for General Motors Corporation for 32 years doing what he loved most, helping people while enjoying his passion and love of automobile’s. He was Area Service Manager for Chevrolet Motor Division for Arizona and New Mexico among various other positions within the corporation.

Later in life, while Sherrie was in college, Boyd decided to attend classes as well. With Sherrie’s help typing his English papers, he pursued learning with quiet determination. On the weekends, Boyd would attend his son, Randy's motocross races, always there to cheer him on and encourage him. Boyd was a true handyman—someone who could build, fix, and improve what was around him, whether tending to the needs of home or creating with his hands through woodworking. When his grandchildren were born, he crafted each of them a rocking horse, a lasting gift made with care, patience, and generosity.

Boyd was part of the Elk’s Club in Tempe for many years, where he brought joy to children by dressing as Santa Claus each year. He was also a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Glendale, serving for several years with the Board of Trustees and Methodist Men. His steady willingness to give time and effort reflected a life shaped by service and a sincere commitment to the people and communities he loved.

Boyd is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Evalee McCrite, and his siblings, Eugene “Mac” McCrite, Leslie McCrite, Frances [Carpenter], and Edward L. McCrite.

Boyd is survived by his wife, Jane; his children, Sherrie Urban (Mike) and Randy McCrite (Donna); and his sister, Joan McCrite. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Lauren Victoria, Ashley McCrite (Craig), and Jeff McCrite; his five great-grandchildren, Emma Victoria, Zoey Figueroa, Faith Figueroa, Ellie Hartleb, and Charlie Hartleb.

The McCrite family would like to thank the First United Methodist Church of Glendale for welcoming them into their family.