Rufus Boyd
May 4, 1939 - Jan. 13, 2025
Published 2:11 pm Friday, January 31, 2025
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Mr. Rufus Boyd, age 85, a resident of Washington, NC, died Monday, January 13, 2025 at ECU Health Inpatient Hospice, in Greenville, NC.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at First Church of Christ in Washington and will be officiated by Ray West and Steve Hill.
The family will receive friends and family following the service at the church.
Rufus was the ninth of twelve children born at home to Thaddeus and Eva Oressa Boyd in the Five Points area of Pinetown, NC. His father died when he was only 6 years old. Growing up on a farm, Rufus learned the value of a strong work ethic and the godly principles he exhibited throughout his life. After graduating from Bath High School, he served his country in the Army Reserve. Rufus was a loving and supportive husband to his wife, Pat for the entire 64 years of their marriage.
A gentle humble man that never argued, but you knew where he stood. His quiet strength instilled a sense of confidence and courage in others. He gave support when he believed you were on the right path. Always performing the due diligence necessary to determine the best course of action before pursuing any venture. Many people would come to him with business ideas or to ask for advice in their personal life. Rufus was known for his unyielding godly character and wisdom. The contributions to the lives of everyone that knew him were immeasurable.
During his life he had an array of careers, varying from farming to heavy construction equipment operator. Always an entrepreneur at heart, his business endeavors were various: farming, logging, retail, restaurateur, construction, recreation and international businesses. He was best known as “Mr. Rufus”, owner and operator of Skate Trak of Washington over a period of about 30 years. He also had another skating rink in Tarboro, NC for a time and ran Snoopy’s Pizza in the early 70s.
He is survived by his wife Patsy Lena Warren Boyd, their children Edward Warren Boyd (Stephanie) and Lisa Lynn Boyd. There are fourteen grandchildren: Sarah Renee Lewis Moore (Zane), Irina Taylor Boyd, Maxwell Ian Boyd, Yana Nicole Boyd, Spencer “Bojan” Boyd, Alyona Jade Boyd, Alexander Drake Boyd (Joy), Logan Anchev Boyd, Isabelle Imani Boyd, Reni Faire Boyd, Nik Allen Boyd, Summer Grace Boyd, Sofie Rose Boyd, and Nate Michael Boyd. There are four great grandchildren: Savannah Nicole Moran, Liam Alexander Poteat, Sabrina Teer Poteat, and Nathan “Wyatt” Moore.
Rufus was preceded in death by his parents Thaddeus and Eva Oressa Boyd, his sisters: Annie Myrtle Boyd Winstead, Callie Virginia Boyd Braddy, Mary Elizabeth Boyd Whitley, Lucy Rea Boyd Sullivan, Bertha Blanche Boyd Congleton, Lula Mae Boyd Woolard, and his brothers Thaddeus Boyd Jr. and Daniel Boyd. He is survived by his sister Marcia Lee Boyd Hamilton, and two brothers Paul Boyd and Mark Boyd.
Condolences may be addressed to the family online by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.
Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Boyd family.