Obituary

Ralph Saunders Boyd Sr. — Born September 3, 1934 in Mecklenburg County, VA passed peacefully in his home June 28, 2024 at the age of 89.

Ralph was born the youngest of fourteen children to John G. Boyd and Hettie Lee Steward. He was educated in Bracey, Virginia public schools. After high school, and following in the footsteps of his older brothers, he volunteered to serve his country. Ralph was inducted in the U.S. Army and honorably served two years including an overseas tour in Germany.

In 1954 Ralph married Julia M. Macklin in Mecklenburg, VA. From this union they raised eight children – six daughters and two sons. They shared a lifetime together being married sixty years and resided in Newport News, VA. Ralph was preceded in death by his daughter, Sheila M. Jackson; wife, Julia M. Boyd; son, Ralph S. Boyd Jr; and great-grandson, Mykel Boyd.

Life Legacy

Ralph enjoyed sharing stories about his early work experiences at Nice Brother Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator. He also spent twenty-seven years working at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company where he became a world class shipfitter and welder.

He became a member of Carver Presbyterian Church in Newport News, VA. Many knew Ralph as a man with a quiet spirit who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His favorite pastimes were fishing, gardening, and TV repair.

Ralph also enjoyed watching the nightly news to stay informed of world events, ultimately teaching his family the importance of voting to make a difference in the lives of others. He taught valuable life lessons of good work ethics, loyalty, and financial responsibility.

Ralph lived by the values of God and family. He wrote in a personal reflection:

"I Desire to live a life that is pleasing to God so I may be with him in the next life.

"I Desire to see my grandchildren do well in school.

"I Desire to see my children do well in life.

"I Desire to see all my children, well and healthy."

He leaves to cherish his memories his surviving family of six living children, Chiquita Y. Scott [David]; Enid V. Wallace [William]; Earl Boyd [Yanira]; Carol Boyd Smith; Bernadine Myrick; and Bernadette Boyd, 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12PM on Friday, July 5, 2024 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  Viewing will be from 3-6PM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at the funeral home and from 9 AM until the hour of the service on Friday.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.