Richard Melvin Boyd Jr 3/17/1968 – 6/12/2020
Friday, June 12, 2020 was a beautiful, sunny and warm North Carolina day. Richard Boyd, 52 had two things on his mind that day, his passion for hiking and his love Tamera M. Sanders. He kissed her goodbye and told her that he loved her and would be back for dinner. Off to Hanging Rock State Park he drove with the top down on his cherished Saab convertible. He always sought out the less traveled trails and that day he chose Moore's Knob as his first hike. After completing those 4 miles, he longed for just one more hike on his favorite trail Cook's Wall. Before starting the trail, he called Tamera to let her know he would be home by 6:00pm for their planned dinner. She was excitedly looking forward to Richard returning so he could tell her all about his day. He loved to share his hiking adventures with her. Cook's Wall is a tough trail but Rich loved challenge. Afterall, he had over 68 miles completed of his 100 mile goal for the year and this was a chance to sneak in just a few more miles. As he made his way to the top, around 1.75 miles his earthly body left us and ascended high above the treetops and off into the Heavens. Heroic efforts of 4 fellow hikers, EMS and his friend ranger Sam Koch could not save him that day, but he was at peace as if resting on the trail. He did not suffer and his beautiful soul who he told us was close to God in the mountains floated into his arms that day. He passed doing what he loved the most, hiking the trails of the beautiful State Parks that we have been given to show us all that has been created for us.
Richard was born March 17, 1968 in Elkin, North Carolina. He graduated from Elkin High School and went on to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his college years, he worked at Harris Teeter grocery store. He never left the grocery business. He loved helping people. Not only the customers but the employees that he mentored. The last three months of his career were his finest as he worked tirelessly during a difficult time for our country. He finished his career as the Beef Shoppe Manager at Lowes Foods New Garden #179 in Greensboro where he was employed for the last 12 years.
Richard was a tremendous athlete. From the early years of baseball and basketball, Rich excelled at any sport he laid his hands on. One of the purest shooters of a basketball you would ever see and he still "had it" when he got on the court. His blood flowed Dallas Cowboys silver and blue "America's Team". He was passionate about the Cincinnati Reds his entire life and always rooted for the Tarheels basketball team. As one would say, he was truly a physical specimen. He cared for his body his entire life. Eating healthy, exercising daily and in fact the heroic hikers who tried to save him commented "I think he's around 35". It makes us all smile because we always said, we wished we could be as disciplined as Rich. His body was his temple.
Richard was a loving son, brother, uncle, partner to Tamera and friend to so many. He was loyal, really funny, athletic, nostalgic, a mentor, confidant, smart, opinionated and so much more. Richard gave of himself and he received our love. No love was stronger than his relationship with Tamera. For the last three years, they loved and supported each other. Simple days just riding to the mountains for a hike, cruising with the top down to Mayberry Days, romantic getaways to their beloved Helen, Georgia for a Tallulah Falls hike, watching and laughing to the Andy Griffith show, talking and making their future plans. He was her man and she was his woman. They planned to spend the rest of their life together. These were the best years of Richard's life. He was the happiest in his life.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we have one request for you to honor Richard. Go to your State and National Parks. Take in the beauty of nature and all that has been created for you. Take a walk, take a hike if you can, take a drive. It will open your heart and your mind. It is beauty at its finest. Richard lived by his favorite quote "Get busy living or get busy dying". Just go, you will not be sorry.
Richard Melvin Boyd, Jr of Greensboro, North Carolina is survived by his mother, Barbara Dixon McCann and his stepfather John McCann of Elkin, NC. His loving partner of three years, Tamera M. Sanders of Charlotte, NC. His sister Laura Boyd Smidt and her husband Jeff Smidt of South Riding, Va. His sister Rebecca Boyd Compton and her husband Paul Compton of Greenville, SC. His brother and best friend Stephen Fredrick Boyd of Kernersville, NC. His nephew James Dixon Smidt of South Riding, Va. His nephew Matthew Scott Smidt of New York City, NY. He is preceded in death by his father Richard Melvin Boyd Sr of Elkin, NC.
The family will hold a private service for Richard in Elkin, NC and Stone Mountain State Park. A celebration of life will be planned for spring of 2021. Please indicate your desire to attend the celebration of life when you sign the online guest book and we will keep in touch.
Friday, June 12, 2020 was a beautiful, sunny and warm North Carolina day. Richard Boyd, 52 had two things on his mind that day, his passion for hiking and his love Tamera M. Sanders. He kissed her goodbye and told her that he loved her and would be back for dinner. Off to Hanging Rock State Park he drove with the top down on his cherished Saab convertible. He always sought out the less traveled trails and that day he chose Moore's Knob as his first hike. After completing those 4 miles, he longed for just one more hike on his favorite trail Cook's Wall. Before starting the trail, he called Tamera to let her know he would be home by 6:00pm for their planned dinner. She was excitedly looking forward to Richard returning so he could tell her all about his day. He loved to share his hiking adventures with her. Cook's Wall is a tough trail but Rich loved challenge. Afterall, he had over 68 miles completed of his 100 mile goal for the year and this was a chance to sneak in just a few more miles. As he made his way to the top, around 1.75 miles his earthly body left us and ascended high above the treetops and off into the Heavens. Heroic efforts of 4 fellow hikers, EMS and his friend ranger Sam Koch could not save him that day, but he was at peace as if resting on the trail. He did not suffer and his beautiful soul who he told us was close to God in the mountains floated into his arms that day. He passed doing what he loved the most, hiking the trails of the beautiful State Parks that we have been given to show us all that has been created for us.
Richard was born March 17, 1968 in Elkin, North Carolina. He graduated from Elkin High School and went on to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his college years, he worked at Harris Teeter grocery store. He never left the grocery business. He loved helping people. Not only the customers but the employees that he mentored. The last three months of his career were his finest as he worked tirelessly during a difficult time for our country. He finished his career as the Beef Shoppe Manager at Lowes Foods New Garden #179 in Greensboro where he was employed for the last 12 years.
Richard was a tremendous athlete. From the early years of baseball and basketball, Rich excelled at any sport he laid his hands on. One of the purest shooters of a basketball you would ever see and he still "had it" when he got on the court. His blood flowed Dallas Cowboys silver and blue "America's Team". He was passionate about the Cincinnati Reds his entire life and always rooted for the Tarheels basketball team. As one would say, he was truly a physical specimen. He cared for his body his entire life. Eating healthy, exercising daily and in fact the heroic hikers who tried to save him commented "I think he's around 35". It makes us all smile because we always said, we wished we could be as disciplined as Rich. His body was his temple.
Richard was a loving son, brother, uncle, partner to Tamera and friend to so many. He was loyal, really funny, athletic, nostalgic, a mentor, confidant, smart, opinionated and so much more. Richard gave of himself and he received our love. No love was stronger than his relationship with Tamera. For the last three years, they loved and supported each other. Simple days just riding to the mountains for a hike, cruising with the top down to Mayberry Days, romantic getaways to their beloved Helen, Georgia for a Tallulah Falls hike, watching and laughing to the Andy Griffith show, talking and making their future plans. He was her man and she was his woman. They planned to spend the rest of their life together. These were the best years of Richard's life. He was the happiest in his life.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we have one request for you to honor Richard. Go to your State and National Parks. Take in the beauty of nature and all that has been created for you. Take a walk, take a hike if you can, take a drive. It will open your heart and your mind. It is beauty at its finest. Richard lived by his favorite quote "Get busy living or get busy dying". Just go, you will not be sorry.
Richard Melvin Boyd, Jr of Greensboro, North Carolina is survived by his mother, Barbara Dixon McCann and his stepfather John McCann of Elkin, NC. His loving partner of three years, Tamera M. Sanders of Charlotte, NC. His sister Laura Boyd Smidt and her husband Jeff Smidt of South Riding, Va. His sister Rebecca Boyd Compton and her husband Paul Compton of Greenville, SC. His brother and best friend Stephen Fredrick Boyd of Kernersville, NC. His nephew James Dixon Smidt of South Riding, Va. His nephew Matthew Scott Smidt of New York City, NY. He is preceded in death by his father Richard Melvin Boyd Sr of Elkin, NC.
The family will hold a private service for Richard in Elkin, NC and Stone Mountain State Park. A celebration of life will be planned for spring of 2021. Please indicate your desire to attend the celebration of life when you sign the online guest book and we will keep in touch.
Richard Melvin Boyd Jr 3/17/1968 – 6/12/2020
Friday, June 12, 2020 was a beautiful, sunny and warm North Carolina day. Richard Boyd, 52 had two things on his mind that day, his passion for hiking and his love Tamera M. Sanders. He kissed her goodbye and told her that he loved her and would be back for dinner. Off to Hanging Rock State Park he drove with the top down on his cherished Saab convertible. He always sought out the less traveled trails and that day he chose Moore's Knob as his first hike. After completing those 4 miles, he longed for just one more hike on his favorite trail Cook's Wall. Before starting the trail, he called Tamera to let her know he would be home by 6:00pm for their planned dinner. She was excitedly looking forward to Richard returning so he could tell her all about his day. He loved to share his hiking adventures with her. Cook's Wall is a tough trail but Rich loved challenge. Afterall, he had over 68 miles completed of his 100 mile goal for the year and this was a chance to sneak in just a few more miles. As he made his way to the top, around 1.75 miles his earthly body left us and ascended high above the treetops and off into the Heavens. Heroic efforts of 4 fellow hikers, EMS and his friend ranger Sam Koch could not save him that day, but he was at peace as if resting on the trail. He did not suffer and his beautiful soul who he told us was close to God in the mountains floated into his arms that day. He passed doing what he loved the most, hiking the trails of the beautiful State Parks that we have been given to show us all that has been created for us.
Richard was born March 17, 1968 in Elkin, North Carolina. He graduated from Elkin High School and went on to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his college years, he worked at Harris Teeter grocery store. He never left the grocery business. He loved helping people. Not only the customers but the employees that he mentored. The last three months of his career were his finest as he worked tirelessly during a difficult time for our country. He finished his career as the Beef Shoppe Manager at Lowes Foods New Garden #179 in Greensboro where he was employed for the last 12 years.
Richard was a tremendous athlete. From the early years of baseball and basketball, Rich excelled at any sport he laid his hands on. One of the purest shooters of a basketball you would ever see and he still "had it" when he got on the court. His blood flowed Dallas Cowboys silver and blue "America's Team". He was passionate about the Cincinnati Reds his entire life and always rooted for the Tarheels basketball team. As one would say, he was truly a physical specimen. He cared for his body his entire life. Eating healthy, exercising daily and in fact the heroic hikers who tried to save him commented "I think he's around 35". It makes us all smile because we always said, we wished we could be as disciplined as Rich. His body was his temple.
Richard was a loving son, brother, uncle, partner to Tamera and friend to so many. He was loyal, really funny, athletic, nostalgic, a mentor, confidant, smart, opinionated and so much more. Richard gave of himself and he received our love. No love was stronger than his relationship with Tamera. For the last three years, they loved and supported each other. Simple days just riding to the mountains for a hike, cruising with the top down to Mayberry Days, romantic getaways to their beloved Helen, Georgia for a Tallulah Falls hike, watching and laughing to the Andy Griffith show, talking and making their future plans. He was her man and she was his woman. They planned to spend the rest of their life together. These were the best years of Richard's life. He was the happiest in his life.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we have one request for you to honor Richard. Go to your State and National Parks. Take in the beauty of nature and all that has been created for you. Take a walk, take a hike if you can, take a drive. It will open your heart and your mind. It is beauty at its finest. Richard lived by his favorite quote "Get busy living or get busy dying". Just go, you will not be sorry.
Richard Melvin Boyd, Jr of Greensboro, North Carolina is survived by his mother, Barbara Dixon McCann and his stepfather John McCann of Elkin, NC. His loving partner of three years, Tamera M. Sanders of Charlotte, NC. His sister Laura Boyd Smidt and her husband Jeff Smidt of South Riding, Va. His sister Rebecca Boyd Compton and her husband Paul Compton of Greenville, SC. His brother and best friend Stephen Fredrick Boyd of Kernersville, NC. His nephew James Dixon Smidt of South Riding, Va. His nephew Matthew Scott Smidt of New York City, NY. He is preceded in death by his father Richard Melvin Boyd Sr of Elkin, NC.
The family will hold a private service for Richard in Elkin, NC and Stone Mountain State Park. A celebration of life will be planned for spring of 2021. Please indicate your desire to attend the celebration of life when you sign the online guest book and we will keep in touch.
Friday, June 12, 2020 was a beautiful, sunny and warm North Carolina day. Richard Boyd, 52 had two things on his mind that day, his passion for hiking and his love Tamera M. Sanders. He kissed her goodbye and told her that he loved her and would be back for dinner. Off to Hanging Rock State Park he drove with the top down on his cherished Saab convertible. He always sought out the less traveled trails and that day he chose Moore's Knob as his first hike. After completing those 4 miles, he longed for just one more hike on his favorite trail Cook's Wall. Before starting the trail, he called Tamera to let her know he would be home by 6:00pm for their planned dinner. She was excitedly looking forward to Richard returning so he could tell her all about his day. He loved to share his hiking adventures with her. Cook's Wall is a tough trail but Rich loved challenge. Afterall, he had over 68 miles completed of his 100 mile goal for the year and this was a chance to sneak in just a few more miles. As he made his way to the top, around 1.75 miles his earthly body left us and ascended high above the treetops and off into the Heavens. Heroic efforts of 4 fellow hikers, EMS and his friend ranger Sam Koch could not save him that day, but he was at peace as if resting on the trail. He did not suffer and his beautiful soul who he told us was close to God in the mountains floated into his arms that day. He passed doing what he loved the most, hiking the trails of the beautiful State Parks that we have been given to show us all that has been created for us.
Richard was born March 17, 1968 in Elkin, North Carolina. He graduated from Elkin High School and went on to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his college years, he worked at Harris Teeter grocery store. He never left the grocery business. He loved helping people. Not only the customers but the employees that he mentored. The last three months of his career were his finest as he worked tirelessly during a difficult time for our country. He finished his career as the Beef Shoppe Manager at Lowes Foods New Garden #179 in Greensboro where he was employed for the last 12 years.
Richard was a tremendous athlete. From the early years of baseball and basketball, Rich excelled at any sport he laid his hands on. One of the purest shooters of a basketball you would ever see and he still "had it" when he got on the court. His blood flowed Dallas Cowboys silver and blue "America's Team". He was passionate about the Cincinnati Reds his entire life and always rooted for the Tarheels basketball team. As one would say, he was truly a physical specimen. He cared for his body his entire life. Eating healthy, exercising daily and in fact the heroic hikers who tried to save him commented "I think he's around 35". It makes us all smile because we always said, we wished we could be as disciplined as Rich. His body was his temple.
Richard was a loving son, brother, uncle, partner to Tamera and friend to so many. He was loyal, really funny, athletic, nostalgic, a mentor, confidant, smart, opinionated and so much more. Richard gave of himself and he received our love. No love was stronger than his relationship with Tamera. For the last three years, they loved and supported each other. Simple days just riding to the mountains for a hike, cruising with the top down to Mayberry Days, romantic getaways to their beloved Helen, Georgia for a Tallulah Falls hike, watching and laughing to the Andy Griffith show, talking and making their future plans. He was her man and she was his woman. They planned to spend the rest of their life together. These were the best years of Richard's life. He was the happiest in his life.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we have one request for you to honor Richard. Go to your State and National Parks. Take in the beauty of nature and all that has been created for you. Take a walk, take a hike if you can, take a drive. It will open your heart and your mind. It is beauty at its finest. Richard lived by his favorite quote "Get busy living or get busy dying". Just go, you will not be sorry.
Richard Melvin Boyd, Jr of Greensboro, North Carolina is survived by his mother, Barbara Dixon McCann and his stepfather John McCann of Elkin, NC. His loving partner of three years, Tamera M. Sanders of Charlotte, NC. His sister Laura Boyd Smidt and her husband Jeff Smidt of South Riding, Va. His sister Rebecca Boyd Compton and her husband Paul Compton of Greenville, SC. His brother and best friend Stephen Fredrick Boyd of Kernersville, NC. His nephew James Dixon Smidt of South Riding, Va. His nephew Matthew Scott Smidt of New York City, NY. He is preceded in death by his father Richard Melvin Boyd Sr of Elkin, NC.
The family will hold a private service for Richard in Elkin, NC and Stone Mountain State Park. A celebration of life will be planned for spring of 2021. Please indicate your desire to attend the celebration of life when you sign the online guest book and we will keep in touch.
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