Virgil R. Boyd

Virgil R. Boyd, 87, owner and long-time manager of Boyd Funeral Home, passed away Dec. 20, 2016, with his ‘girls' by his side. He went to meet his Lord, his beautiful wife, son, grandson and many other loved ones for a joyous Christmas. He was born April 6, 1929 to Hugh and Lillie Burnett Boyd in Austin, Ark. He was raised in and around the Cabot area. In 1946 he met the love of his life, Margaret McVay while she was visiting a friend in Cabot. They married on Aug. 1, 1946. They started their family, Oct., 1949 with daughter, Patricia, and a son, Donald in 1953. The Lonoke County community, especially Lonoke, has lost a dedicated, generous man who put their needs before his at all times. It never mattered to Virgil your station in life he treated everyone, rich or poor, black or white with the same love and respect. He has always been on call 24 hours a day for families that needed his help. Virgil Boyd will be dearly missed not only by his immediate family, but by his family of devoted employees. Some have worked for him almost 20 years. He was always respected, and loved by all that dealt with him in this business. If one member of each family he has served over the years showed up for his service, there would be standing room only. He has touched thousands over the 59 years he has been in Lonoke. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Margaret, son, Donald, grandson, Doyle Wayne Baldwin, his brother Kenneth and wife Jean, and numerous in-laws that he loved as his own family. Survivors include, his sister, Geneva Hassen (Thomas) of Cabot; daughter, Patricia Baldwin of Lonoke; grand-daughters, Kyla Baldwin (Steve Fortune) of Cabot, Kasi Baldwin-Ellis (Matt) of Sherwood and Great-granddaughter, Mattie Keirsten Ellis; brother-in-law, James McVay (Marilyn), sisters-in law, Virgene and Eileen McVay; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Monday at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27 at Lonoke Baptist Church with burial following in Butlerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Palm Street Church of Christ building fund, Lonoke; Morrilton Children's Home or Sherwood Animal Shelter on North Hills Blvd. Online guestbook,www.boydfuneralhome.net.