Alvis Joe Boyd

November 04, 1941 - April 24, 2025

My dad, Alvis Joe Boyd (A.J.) died April 24, 2025. He was 83. He is survived by his son, Brad Boyd, and A.J.’s wife, Joan Lester Boyd. Mom has had dementia even longer than dad, and has forgotten she was ever married. She will not greive, even though they were simpatico for decades.

A.J. is predeceased by his mother, Eva Boyd, his brothers James Boyd and Herman Boyd, and his sister Myrtle Pendleton Thompson.

His neighbors will remember dad as a giving person, who loved to share mom’s garden and orchard with the entire neighborhood.

His passion was farming. Even in his nursing home, he talked about farming. The staff kept his picture behind the front desk, like an FBI “wanted” flyer, because he was deemed, “most likely to escape”. Which he did…several times. He had to wear an ankle bracelet. He was determined to go home to feed the cattle. His Heart attack occurred a week ago. The next day I got to speak with him, and for five minutes he was surprisingly coherent. As he slipped away today, his nurse told him, “Don’t worry. Your cows are being cared for”.

Most of his cows had names…”Bossy”, “Heifer”, “Curious”, “Ma Ma”, etc. Our Guernsey was “Susy”.

Whenever dad saw a mouse in the barn he would carefully capture it alive, carry it to a pasture field and set it free. He did the same with black snakes.

My first memory of dad was when I was probably two, when every morning at 6:30 he would carry me to Grandma’s house so he and mom could drive to work in Blackburg. When the farm was purchased in 1971, I was seven. The barn roof needed work. I remember him on the second floor, hammering with his right hand, while his entire body weight was hanging from his left hand, suspended over 40 feet of empty space. As I saw that at age seven, I remember thinking, “I’ll never be able to do that”. And I never did.

Dad walked a straight back, fiercely independent. But he could also be funny and social. He had a quick, and sometimes blunt, wit. What came out of his mouth often surprised. The judge presiding over dad’s competency case decided to postpone the hearing as soon as we sat down. Dad said, “You mean I shaved my legs for this”? Two deputies doubled over in laughter. The judge tried NOT to laugh. He failed.

But no remembrance of dad would be complete without mentioning his relationship with his wife. They were practically inseparable, married for almost 62 years. After mom retired from Va Tech, the two of them spent a minimum of two hours each morning at the Breakfast room table, eating hot dogs and sipping coffee. I often wondered how any couple could have so much to talk about after decades of marriage.

They were also dancing partners. For 20+ years they spent most Friday nights dancing to “Ol’ Time” music. Dad rarely rarely left the county except to go to the stock yard or dancing.

For that reason, I decided four years ago to forgo a funeral or graveside service. Neither of them cared much for funerals. Not enough dancing. Instead, I decided to have a joint, “Celebration of Life” event after BOTH have died. Together. That how they would have wanted it.

Dad started life as a mountain boy, both Buffalo and Slate. His family were founding members of Robert Childress’s Slate Mountain Presbyterian. His older brothers had an enormous influence on dad. As kids they rode three-boys-on-one-bike to Charlie Hylton’s store, where Charlie always gave them a free Strawberry Nehi soda. Every Halloween, the three brothers walked to Mabry’s Mill with a sheet with eyeholes. Since it was Halloween, they would climb on each others shoulders (with dad at the top), drape the sheet over themselves, and proceed to scare anyone visiting the mill.

I was also told they sometimes played a game in which they tossed a toddler to one another like passing a football. I wonder if Shirley Moran remembers that.

When dad got married to mom, he moved to Alum Ridge next to mom’s parents. Granddad never had a son. And dad’s father died when dad was three months old. So they got along like a real bonded father and son, and worked together for years while attending Pleasant Valley Church. For that reason, Dad will be buried Monday at Pleasant Valley cemetery.

Brad, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I couldn’t have asked for better neighbors and friends. My memories are in the hay fields on hot summer days and roasting hotdogs over an open fire on the 4th of July. Prayers of comfort for you in the coming days. Katherine Weeks

I thought so much of your mom and dad! They were so sweet together, that perfect couple you want to be like! I believe I was in the first grade when I met your mom riding the school bus then later we worked at Tech. I grew up on Beaver Creek so I knew your family. Such a beautiful obituary one it seemed so real. Thank you for posting this. Prayers for all you are going through 🙏🙏🙏 Shelby Quesenberry

Sorry to hear of A.J s passing as he was a good friend as well as a 3rd cousin.Lots of good times growing up and later when he met and married Joann who is a precious lady.Someday they’ll be reunited.

What a wonderful tribute to your father! Well written, beautiful!

I never met your father or mother, but this is one of the sweetest tributes I have ever read. You were blest to have such great parents.

So very sorry to hear of the passing of A.J. Through the years before COVID, I loved to chat with him & Joanne at Boyd Reunions.

Brad, this beautiful, moving tribute to your dad not only expresses your love and respect for both parents but also reveals their success in rearing a thoughtful, devoted son.

Beautiful tribute to your father.

I am a CNA-RMA at WHV. I had the pleasure of caring for AJ from day one. He was one of my favorites. It's not just because my son also shares the same nickname. I loved going up to him with my fist balled up telling him that was for him (big Betsy and the 5 warriors). He'd back up and say "I'm a lover not a fighter" or rubbing his bald head telling him it was my crystal ball. I even joked about getting him a tattoo of a lawn mower. He was so easy to pick on and so easy to love. I will forever cherish the time we had together. Days leading up to his passing I would visit him daily to let him know just how much he was loved (by me). The family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Brad I was at the farm last weekend and had an odd feeling that I should check the obits. I'm sorry for you and your family's loss. The tribute was well written and beautiful and he sounds like a good guy. We've made many updates to the house and hope your folks would approve. Roy looked around and said he thought they would like the changes. I hope you're doing better and hope you'll visit some day!