Mr. Benjamin Blakely Boyd Sr.

COLUMBIA - A funeral service for Benjamin Blakely Boyd, Sr., 80, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, S.C. A private burial will be in Aimwell Cemetery in Ridgeway, S.C.

Ben died Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Born in Columbia, S.C., he was a son of the late Jean Bryant Boyd and Gertrude Isabel Mayer. Surviving are his sons, Benjamin Blakely Boyd, Jr. (Shannon) of Irmo, S.C. and Bryant Walker Boyd (Tiffany) of Columbia, S.C.; three grandchildren, Dylan, Nathan, and Julianna; and sister-in-law, Myra Corley Boyd of Lexington, SC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Arrie Elizabeth Fletcher and his brother, Jean Bryant Boyd, Jr.

Throughout his life Ben was active in many areas, especially in the service of God and others. A graduate of Dreher High School, he received his Bachelor’s degree and Law degree from the University of South Carolina, where he served as student body vice president. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and ODK and KSK service fraternities. After college he began his law career where he worked at the Federal Land Bank in Columbia for many years, was a judge for the Richland County Probate Court, as well as had his own private law practice. He was involved in local politics and service organizations such as the Columbia Jaycees.

He was an active member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, serving the church in many roles. He served as Deacon and Elder, youth group leader, Bible teacher, ran the sound system in the sanctuary, and was involved with many other projects and committees.

Ben also had a deep love for the South and for all things Carolina. He loved his country and his native state of South Carolina. Ben was a passionate Gamecock fan and loved attending football games and other sporting events. He enjoyed coaching his sons’ youth soccer teams, working in the yard, spending time with family and friends, and vacationing at the beach.

Ben liked to say his most outstanding achievements were marrying Arrie and being the father to Blakely and Bryant.

The family wishes to thank Generations of Irmo and Harbison Shores for their care of Ben during the last few years, as well as the staffs of Homestead Hospice and Compassionate Care Hospice.

Memorials may be made to the Hunley Commission, the International Student Scholarship Fund at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, and the University of South Carolina educational foundation.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.