Paul A. Boyd

Paul grew up on the family farm and entered Clemson University at the young age of sixteen. His college education was interrupted by serving honorably in the U.S. Army at the end of WWII from 1946 to 1948. He was stationed at Camp Stoneman in Pittsburg, California. Paul returned to Clemson and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in June 1951. Later that month, on June 29th, he married the love of his life, Esther Bell, at her family home.

Most of Paul’s early career was in agriculture sales in North and South Carolina, except for two years in the restaurant business. In 1974, his company transferred him and his family to Plano, Texas, and he resided in the area for the remainder of his life.

Paul lived his life on a foundation of faith. He was a deacon at Dunn’s Mountain Baptist Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, and an active member of First Baptist Church of Plano for over fifty years.

Paul also lived a life full of simple joys and deep appreciation for the people he loved. He was well known for his sweet tooth and was often the first to ask, “Who’s ready for dessert?” He enjoyed working in the yard and helping Esther in the kitchen. He was famous for his barbecue chicken and fried shrimp, lovingly requested by his children for their birthday dinners. He cheered faithfully for the Clemson Tigers and the Dallas Cowboys and cherished his many fishing trips with his brothers-in-law in the North Myrtle Beach area.

Survivors include his two sons, Michael Boyd and Dean Boyd (Tanya), two daughters, Terrie Swilling (Mark) and Janice Harres (Charlie); six grandchildren, Natalie Harres Marlow (Billy), Paul Swilling (Lauren), Andrew Harres (Coyellen), Caroline Swilling Mejia (Nestor), Derrick Boyd and Dillon Boyd; four great-grandchildren, Alice Swilling, Miles Swilling, Ellie Mejia and Westin Marlow; two sisters-in-law, Pearl Boyd and Loy Bell Ballam; and many nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his wife, Esther Boyd; two sisters, Jamie Boyd Ward and Wilma Boyd Martin; and his brother, Henry Will Boyd.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who provided Paul with compassionate and attentive care over the last two years. Their kindness, patience, and dedication brought comfort and dignity to his life, and their support will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 27th at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Plano, located at 3665 W President George Bush Hwy, Plano, TX 75075.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Plano.