Donald E. Boyd, 88, went to heaven on August 18, 2019 from his home in Gun Barrel City, Texas. He was born on October 19, 1930 in Ashland, Ohio to the late James and Doris Boyd. He graduated from Ashland High School in 1948 and married the love his life, Lucille Lowrie, on January 26, 1951 at First Christian Church in Ashland, Ohio. They were blessed to spend 65 years together. Don and Lucille were there for each other through all the joys and then the heartaches of her cancer and his stroke in 2009.
Don is survived by his Daughter, Jeri Bailey and her husband Arnold; Sister-in-law, Lonah Boyd Fowler; Grandchildren, Stacy Bailey and Cheryl Hughes and her husband Phil; Great Grandchildren, Alexa, Hailey and Trenton; Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and many, many friends.
He worked for Johnny’s Foodbasket; Southern Life Insurance and retired from UPS, after 30 years, as the Regional Loss Prevention and Claims Manager over five states. He served in the army; active for 2 years and was 1st Lieutenant. He also served in the National Guard for 10 ½ years as Company Commander of Company E. 145th Infantry, 37th Division.
His smile would light up a room. He loved to kid around and was probably the only one that laughed at his water buffalo joke! One of his pride and joys was his 1951 M38 Willys Military Jeep he restored and entered in car shows, winning many awards.
Throughout the years, Mom and Dad donated money and items to Lincoln, Osborne and Reagan Elementary Schools in Ashland; a reader and scanner for the Ashland Library; computer for Mabank, Texas Library; shoulder radios and equipment for the Gun Barrel City fire and police departments and donated to help build the Ashland, Ohio Fallen Heroes Memorial. Mom and Dad received the 2015 Jean Nichols Lifetime Service Award from the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce in Texas.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers, Becky, Cindy, Mariah and Mickie for taking such great care of Dad.
Dad, thank you for being the best father. You’re my hero and inspiration to never give up, no matter what difficulties come along. I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap and I’m talking in my sleep about you.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Don's memory to the American Cancer Society.
