William E. Boyd Sr.

William Edward Boyd, Sr., was born July 19, 1938, in Anniston, Alabama, to the late Temple Forbes and Annie Mae Boyd. 

William Edward Boyd, Sr., attended public school in Anniston, Alabama, and upon graduating, joined the United States Navy. He served from 1956—1959 where he worked as an Aircraft Mechanic. 

In 1957, he met Ruth Barnes and they married two years later. They were married for 58 years. To this union, four children were born. After William Sr.'s military service ended, he decided his family would make their home in San Antonio, Texas. 

William, Sr. was employed by J. C. Penney for 26 years, as a Maintenance Supervisor. William was an enterprising man, with a mind to work. While at J.C. Penney, he took on a second job to generate more income. He served at Americhem Building Maintenance, as the Night Operations Manager, for over 15 years. 

William, Sr. was an entrepreneur. He always dreamt of owning his own business. In 1984, he founded his own company, B&R Building Maintenance, Inc., where at one time he employed 170 employees. He successfully operated B&R Building, partnering with his wife and children to run the business, until his retirement, in 2004. After retiring, he spent most of his time fishing and playing dominoes. 

William, Sr. was a man of strength—of character, in business, as well as in his faith. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1963, under the leadership of the late Rev. Hickman, at St. Peter Baptist Church. In 1994, he joined Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church, where he continued his work as a Deacon. Deacon Boyd served as Ministry Leader for the VIP Ministry and as the Assistant Ministry Leader for the Orientation ministry. Deacon Boyd was voted GLMBC "Man of the Year", and was recognized by Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church as a significant figure in History, during Black History Month.

William was preceded in death by his parents, son, William Boyd, Jr., sisters Mary Ann, Maureen, Estelle, Annie Pearl and brother, John Westley. His memory will be cherished by his loving wife of 58 years, Ruth Boyd; his daughters, Ella Boyd, Ruth (Adolphus) McCree; his son, David Boyd, Sr.; eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.