Boyd Oliver Box

The Good Lord brought home a faithful servant and true inspiration to many on May 30, 2019. Boyd Oliver Box will rejoin, in heavenly bliss: his wife and soulmate, Winona Myrl Coffey Box; newborn daughter, Cynthia Francis Box; parents Henry and Olga Box; sister, Geneva Butler and husband, Rev. Oland Butler; brothers, Cecil Box and wife, Helen, Owen Box and wife, Velma, Wayne Box, and Keith Box.

Boyd was born in White City, Texas on February 19, 1931 into a loving and close family. In his youth, he participated in team sports, playing basketball and football throughout high school at Henrietta M. King High in Kingsville, Texas with his brother and best friend Keith, who was closest in age. It was on the playing field that he would gain a knack for leadership and a life-long passion for sports.

In 1951, Boyd answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy during the Korean War. He served two combat tours, one aboard the aircraft carrier USS Princeton and one aboard the USS Antietam. He was highly accomplished and decorated throughout his service time. He was a proud member of the Caterpillar Club. He was honorably discharged in 1954. Forever humble, Boyd always talked about the bravery and honorable deeds of his fellow seamen and pilots with whom he served.

On April 7, 1955, he married Winona Myrl Coffey. His devotion to her and her lasting spirit endured well beyond her death in 1975. They established their family in Austin, Texas. Boyd earned a bachelor’s degree in commercial art from the University of Texas in 1957. He was a gifted artist who initially applied his talents as a free-lance artist and copywriter. He ultimately became the manager of the bank sales division for the Steck Company. It was there he had the privilege of working with Lady Bird Johnson. He later became President of Hill Printing and Stationary in Waco, Texas. In 1976, he purchased a printing company in Waxahachie, Texas, naming it Box Printing and Advertising (now College Street Printing). Boyd instituted innovative designs and business practices. His graphic design and advertising work made an impact on the Waxahachie business community for the next two decades. Throughout his career, he had many employees under his care whom he mentored. While operating a successful business, Boyd was active in his community and church. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Waxahachie. He retired in 1993 and later moved to San Angelo, Texas where he made the most of retirement. He continued his commitment to serving the Lord and carried out this calling through teaching Sunday school and volunteering his time with Gideon’s International. He also found time to maintain his love for art, creating magnificent paintings and other works of art, most of which he gave to others to enjoy or donated to community organizations. Boyd enjoyed playing golf, painting, and traveling. As a devout Christian, he strove to live out his faith and held a deep personal commitment to following the example of Christ and being a positive example to others.

No story of Boyd’s tremendous life would be complete without mention of his love of Texas Longhorn football and all things burnt orange. He’ll be saying “Hook ‘Em Horns” in heaven. He always described his age in number of Longhorn seasons.

Boyd is survived by his son, Kendall Box and wife, Laura; daughter Laura Wright and her husband Dwight; grandson, Clinton Boyd Box and wife, Kristina; granddaughter, Becky Dalton and partner, Keith; grandson Mark Box and wife, Shannon; granddaughter, Sarah Almendarez and husband, Rodney; grandson, Austin Box; granddaughter, Holly Wright; ten great-grandchildren, brother, Gordon Box and wife Jeanette; sisters-in-law Darlene Box, and Mary Alice Box and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 10:00am with a military honors burial following. Both will take place at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park located at 6300 W. William Cannon Drive in Austin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association or Gideons International.