John "Big Al" Alfred Boyd

BOYD, John Alfred was born in Newberry, South Carolina on July 29, 1935, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Lee and Verbena Boyd, Sr. ‘Al’, as he was affectionately known, was the eldest of six children born to the couple. His siblings included Vivian (Simpson) Eargle, Charles (Juanita) Boyd, Evelyn (Willie) Caughman, Rose (Thurmond) Mitchell, and Bennie Lee Boyd, Jr.

After attending Booker T. Washington in the South Carolina School System, he found his way to Detroit, MI in 1952. Al had many experiences living in Detroit—he became a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, and he played baseball with the Cincinnati Reds farm team.  Later, he landed a position as a general repairman with Ford Motor Company in Romeo, Michigan. Al had many talents and interests. He was an avid bowler, a member of the UAW Local Union 400, became a union steward, and played baseball on the Ford union team. He was a deacon at his home church Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Little Mountain, South Carolina later in life.

Al would spend the next 32 years enjoying his time at Ford and his family until his parents grew frail and needed his assistance in South Carolina. 

Al was a father to four sons: John, Anthony, Clarence, and Dewayne and daughter: Tracy M Boyd. He also became a stepfather to Stephanie Boyd, Monique Waterford, Reginald Waters, and Nathadius Waters. He was a grandfather to twenty grandchildren.

He later married Vanessa Boyd in 2000 and they would spend the next 25 years together experiencing love, laughter, and life together.

In 2015, he and Vanessa moved to Montgomery, AL where they’ve been able to spend their golden years together. He enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine, sitting out on the deck, and watching the family dog, Anubis, play and chase the squirrels.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Bennie and Verbena Boyd; sons: John and Dewayne Boyd; daughter: Stephanie Boyd; sister: Vivian Boyd, brothers: Benny and Charles Boyd, and brothers-in-law: Simpson Eargle and Willie Caughman.

He is survived by his devoted family: wife, Vanessa Boyd of Montgomery, AL; children: Clarence (Tina) Boyd, Anthony Boyd, and Tracy Boyd all of Detroit, MI, sisters: Evelyn Caughman of Detroit, MI, and Rose (Thurmond) Mitchell of Charlotte, North Carolina. He also leaves his stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends to cherish his memory.

Al will be remembered for his enormous heart, big smile, his gentle ways, and his great love for those closest to him.  

As we extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time, we would also like to express our utmost gratitude to you for entrusting us with your loved one. Magnolia Cremations & Funeral Services.

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