Sylvester "Squinky" Boyd

Mr. Sylvester "Squinky" Boyd, 70, of Martin died Thursday, September 19, 2024, at his home.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Parham Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Sylvester Boyd was born on April 4, 1954, to the late Henry and R.V. Boyd in Mason, Tennessee. Sylvester, affectionately known as “Squinky” was a very independent man who would do anything for anyone and would give you the shirt off his back – literally.  As a young child, he worked in the fields and decided that he didn’t want to do that type of work for the rest of his life, so he enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin to pursue a degree in accounting.  It was at UT Martin that he met the love of his life, Deborah, a fellow student, whom he tutored in her accounting homework.  Upon graduating, Sylvester worked scheduling production at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for thirty years until his early retirement in 2006.  He enjoyed his work as anyone who knew him could attest, and each day as he prepared for work, he sang a song on his way there.

Sylvester married Deborah Williams in 1987, and they were the proud parents of three beautiful children: Kobie, Patrice and Sylvester II. His children were the love of his life along with his grandson, Debari. Those close to Sylvester knew him as loving, funny, intelligent, one who was good with numbers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.  His wisdom was highly sought after as he was often called upon by family and friends alike for assistance in finding solutions to life’s issues, especially financial challenges.

Family was everything to Sylvester. Even as his health declined, he didn’t miss an opportunity to give love and receive it from his family and friends. Squinky loved his family deeply and his family reciprocated that love. He loved spending time mowing the lawn and keeping it manicured and took immense pride in it being well-maintained. He also loved dancing, karaoke, and spending time with his grandson, Debari. His favorite sayings were “YOU GOTTA BE TOUGH” and “IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO FOR YOU, LET ME KNOW.”

Sylvester leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Deborah, the apple of his eye, his children, Kobie, Patrice, and Sylvester II, and his grandson, Debari, whom he absolutely adored.  He also leaves other relatives who will miss him dearly including seven siblings and their spouses:  Virginia Houston (Billy), Mattie Boyd, Roy Boyd (Natalie), Patricia Jones, Jerry Boyd (Stacy), Elester Boyd (Vickie), and Dewayne Boyd.  Sylvester was fortunate to have two very close friends who will miss him greatly, Edgar and Jessie Harrell. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and Omega Psi Phi, Inc. fraternity brothers.

McPhearson-Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-885-8110