Rev. Dr. Ronald A. Boyd Sr.

Reverend Dr. Ronald Alexander Boyd, Sr. of Snellville, Georgia, passed away at age 83 on May 21, 2024. Ronald was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on November 11, 1940 to Jewel and Harold Boyd. Ronald learned the value of a good work ethic and financial independence at an early age delivering a daily newspaper and working at a car wash. Ronald played basketball on teams at John Hope Elementary School #26 and Arsenal Technical High School graduating in June 1958. After completing a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Indianapolis in 1962, Ronald began teaching at IPS Elementary School #44. Ronald continued his education earning a Master of Arts Degree in Education, 1965 and a Master of Arts Degree in Administration and Supervision, 1969 at Ball State University; Doctorate of Philosophy Degree, 1974 at United States International University at the young age of 34; a Master of Divinity Degree, 2001 at Interdenominational Center – Gammon Theological Seminary. Ronald was always aspiring to achieve higher goals and quite often found himself at the forefront, leading change and making history throughout his career. While employed at Detroit Diesel Allisions Division of General Motors, Indianapolis, Indiana in 1966 – 1968, he was the only African American Analyst in Operations Research and Planning. At that time, it was very difficult for a black man to thrive in the Business World. Hence, Ronald launched a successful career in Education as a teacher and quickly progressed upward leading the advancement of education for 38 years in multiple positions: Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Associate State Superintendent, County Chief Deputy Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent in Indiana, Illinois, California, and Georgia. Ronald fought hard for equality, so that all children had equal education opportunities. Always an advocate for the advancement of the black community, the underserved population and promotion of Education. Ronald was affiliated with the Minority Affairs Advisory Committee (AASA); Advisory Committee for NIE and the State Assembly Education Committee; Board of Directors – Urban League, and Operations PUSH; Representative of Lilly Endowment Youth Leadership Programs, National Council of States on Inservice Education, NAACP. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Later in life, Ronald was inspired to become a Minister of the Christian Gospel. After receiving ministerial training, he served in the United Methodist Church, and finally joined the Ministerial Staff at Redemptive Life Christian Fellowship Church, Conyers GA. While fulfilling duties as a minister, he most enjoyed teaching God’s Word. Ronald’s life was full of adventure and happy times, always traveling with his wife and children to many places in the United States and around the world. Not only was he a sports spectator, but he played golf, skied with his young children on the California mountains, bowled in a league, and fished when possible. He found pleasure in music. Listening to hymns and gospel music was calming and uplifting to his soul. Jazz and Rhythm and Blues made for a happy spirit. Giving to others and being well informed was very important to Ronald. He watched various news channels to be informed about events around the world and politics in the U.S. Ron believed in helping others and encouraging them to be their best. He stressed education, setting goals and not giving up. Ronald is predeceased by parents Jewel and Harold Boyd and sisters Linda Porter and Joan Terry. He is survived by spouse Linda Brown Boyd, children: Rhonda (Kalyn), Rosalind (Neil), Ronald Jr. (Hope), Rochelle; grandchildren: Makenzie, Ronald III, Kyron, Kyla, Kennedy, Caia, Giselle; sister, Ethel Brittain, and brother, Harold Boyd II; sister-in-law Kathleen Johnson; brother-in-law, Gregory Brown (Michele) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The family of Reverend Dr. Ronald Alexander Boyd, Sr. wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has made his life special.