Robert Gray Boyd

Robert Gray Boyd, age 79, went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 5, 2018. He was under the care of McGraw Center Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Florida. Robert (Bob) was born on December 9, 1938 in Nashville, Tennessee to Mabel Gray Boyd and Everett Bruce Boyd.

He grew up in Akron, Ohio and graduated from Garfield High School in 1957. While attending the University of Akron he met his future wife, Beverly “Bunnie” Ferrell. Although they nearly eloped weeks after meeting, they waited and married on September 1, 1962.

Bob served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1961-1967. He was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, enjoying a successful 35 year career. He experienced numerous promotions and rose to executive sales management. In that position, he managed Goodyear retail stores and service centers nationwide. His career took him to many states, from New York to North Carolina.

Tennis and long distance running were sports that Bob enjoyed. In later years, he participated in Bible studies, praise choir and church dramas. In his retirement, he volunteered at a community outreach program, participated in a Big Brother Program and was a driver for the Salvation Army in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Bob was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He is survived by his bride of 55 years, Beverly “Bunnie” Boyd of Jacksonville, Florida; his daughters, Dr. Julie Boyd Schweers of Ft. Myers, Florida and Jill Boyd Patterson (John) of Ponte Vedra, Florida; his granddaughters, Alissa Michelle Schweers, Brooke Suzanne Schweers and Grace Suzanne Patterson; his older brother, Morris Bruce Boyd (Dorothy) of Akron, Ohio; his niece, Donna Willmer-Cox of Canton, Ohio; his nephew Pastor Michael John Willmer (Kelly) of New Castle, Pennsylvania. He is predeceased by his older brother Donnie Boyd; nephew Robert “Bobby” Bruce Boyd; parents, Mabel Miller and Everett Bruce Boyd and older sister Jean Boyd Willmer.

A celebration of life service is planned for a later date. Please sign the guestbook at www.hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS BEACHES CHAPEL, 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.