Ralph and Billie always seemed like a devoted couple and fine people. We never lived in close proximity but did see them regularly at family reunions as well as the occasional wedding or funeral. So Sheila and I were thrilled when they accepted our invitation to attend our annual Fourth of July barbecue and fireworks party a few years ago. It was good to get to visit with them (and Wayne and Linda) a little then. I am so sorry to hear of Ralph's death yesterday.
Here is Ralph's obituary from today's Gwinnett Daily Post:
Jul 10, 2013
Ralph Boyd
Ralph Lee Boyd, 77, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Emory Hospital after a yearlong battle with peripheral artery disease and diabetes. He was born May 17, 1936. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday July 12, 2013 at Bill Head Funeral Home Duluth Chapel. Entombment Green Lawn Cemetery, Roswell.
Mr. Boyd was a long-time resident of Duluth, GA. He was an avid runner for many years and continued to walk 5 miles daily until his disease slowed him down. He was an avid gardener and took great pride in his yard, tomato harvests and banana and lemon crops in his greenhouse. He served 7 years in the Air Force and National Guard after which he began a 38-year career as a communications technician at AT&T. After retirement, he spent years traveling across the world with his wife of 57 years. Last year, he lost his only son, Ralph Lee Boyd Jr. to cancer. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Nettie Ruth Boyd Christopher and his parents, Carl and Jessie Boyd.
He is survived by his devoted wife Billie Baird Boyd, his daughters Debbie (Frank) Amodeo and Dana (John) Barr, brother Charles Boyd and brother and sisters-in-law Faye Boyd, Larry and Lorri Christopher. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Shawn Boyd, Brian Boyd, Kyle Boyd, Francesca Amodeo, Anthony Amodeo, Aaron Shealy, John Barr and Katie Barr; and three greatgrandchildren: Katyln Boyd, Preston Boyd and Kasen Boyd. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312 (www.diabetes.org/tribute.
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Update from the Find-A-Grave website:
Ralph Lee Boyd Sr.
- BIRTH
- DEATH
- 9 Jul 2013 (aged 77)
- BURIAL
- Roswell, Fulton County, Georgia, USA
- MEMORIAL ID
- 113661240
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