Kenneth Wade Boyd

Kenneth Wade Boyd, age 87, of Marietta, GA passed away on August 12, 2026. He was born in 1938 to Wade and Lucile Boyd, and spent most of his early life in Savannah, a place he always loved. He graduated from Savannah High and The Citadel, in Charleston, S.C. before attaining his Masters in Library Science from Drexel University. However, it was his Eagle Scout Badge of which he remained the most proud. He married Linda, his wife of 64 years, and the two eventually settled in Marietta, Georgia. There they raised their daughter, Lara, which Ken considered one of his greatest accomplishments.

Ken traveled the U.S. through his early career with Jostens and CIS before starting his own library supply business, the Larlin Corporation. He ultimately pursued his true passion through Cherokee Publishing. Over his career, he published an array of books, specializing in regional non-fiction. He liked his work, especially when it came to building long term friendships with authors, booksellers and other interesting people.

A lifetime learner, Ken devoured books and documentaries, and especially appreciated history, travel and nature. While he never truly retired, he eventually made more time for other pursuits. He found great pleasure in tracking down historic markers, covered bridges and waterfalls. Ken continued to participate in several of the organizations and societies that had been so much a part of his work, and he supported his beloved Boy Scouts of America his entire life. Some of Ken’s happiest memories were spending time in Savannah. He also enjoyed his travels to Turkey, Greece, Ireland and the Caribbean.

Ken was known and loved for his big heart, kindness, dry sense of humor, determination, and his love for his family and friends. He was constantly thinking of others, leaving voicemails, or sending books and articles he knew would be of interest. Ken was a great conversationalist and storyteller. Everyone who met him was quick to note his intelligence, and all who truly knew him valued his genuine, sweet and humble disposition. Ken was generous with his time, kind words, and encouragement. Mostly, he loved and was loved. He made a lot of people happy and will be deeply missed.

Ken was preceded in death by parents Wade and Lucile Boyd, and sister Carol Jean Boyd Griffin. He is survived by his wife, Linda Adams Boyd and daughter, Lara Boyd O’Leary (Kevin).

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at H.M. Patterson and Son - Canton Hill Chapel, 1157 Old Canton Road, NE Marieta, GA 30068.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation in Kenneth Wade Boyd’s name to Tunnels to Towers by visiting t2t.org or Boy Scouts of America by visiting www.scouting.org.