John Rowland Boyd

Retired United States Air Force SMSgt John R. Boyd, 84, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 9th, 2023.

John was born in Washington County, VA, on November 20, 1938. He proudly served his country for 27 1/2 years in the United States Air Force. After retiring, John worked for the South Carolina Department of Corrections for 13 years.

John dedicated his life to the Lord, guiding his family with strong values and a firm foundation. There was no job or task John would not take on or help with. John had a generous heart and he will be remembered for all the kind deeds he did for so many others, never asking for anything in return. John was quite the joke-teller and jokes were always funnier when he told them, bringing you to tears.

John was a beloved member of West Main Free Will Baptist Church. He loved gospel music and was a member of the Heaven Bound Boys gospel group, singing and playing his guitar. John was a member of the VFW 1994 DAV Post 57, Shaw AFB Honor Guard, and the Highlands Honor Guard.

John was preceded in death by his son Jeffery D. Boyd, his parents Homer and Lacy Boyd, his five brothers Homer Jr., Frederick Grant, Ernest, Jack, and Harold Boyd, and his five sisters Mamie Buck, Lillian Artrip, Alta Mae Price, Shirley Stallard, and Linda Leonard. John is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Peggy Ann Boyd, his two daughters Brenda Yunis and her husband Hazim and Bonny Thornhill and her husband Tony, granddaughters Candice and Brooke Yunis, grandson Travis Thornhill and his wife Leah, and his great grandson Greyson Thornhill.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 14th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the funeral ceremony following at 1:00pm with Pastor Willis Osborne officiating. A committal service will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon, VA, where military honors will be provided by Shaw AFB. Pallbearers will be Larry Grosclose, Eddie Bailey, Fred Richardson, Maynard Richardson, Charles Wampler, Carl Beverly, and Ken Hughes.

In lieu of flowers or memorials please send donations to the Department of Disabled Veterans and Highlands Honor Guard care of: Bill Meade 16034 Elementary Drive Abingdon, VA 24210.

The family of John Boyd is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St. Abingdon, VA 24210, (276-623-2700).