Rev. James Ellis Boyd, age 83, died August 29, 2020 surrounded by his family at his St. Simon’s Island home after a long illness.  Rev. Boyd was a retired minister, serving 19 years in the Southern Baptists Georgia church and 25 years in the United Methodist Church. He was born and raised on his family farm in Toombs County Georgia and graduated from Toombs Central High School in 1955. Rev. Boyd was a past Master of the Inman Creek Lodge #491, and member of the Quint Shrine. He was educated at Brewton Parker College, Mercer University and the United Methodist School of Theological Studies in Atlanta. He was also a published author, historian and amateur photographer.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Richard Sherwood and Susie Hayslip Boyd and siblings; Hazel Boyd Stein, Richard Halbert Boyd, Florine Boyd Griggers, and Doyle Sherwood Boyd.

Rev. Boyd is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Billie June; his son and daughter-in-law, James Richard and Tammy Holland Boyd of Dacula, GA and grandchildren; Terah Boyd and Jason Bright of Atlanta, Whitney Elise Boyd of Dacula, Richard Dustin Boyd of Atlanta, and Caroline Malissa Boyd of Dacula, GA; sister and brother-in-law Rita and Brad Merk of Vidalia, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Graveside Services for Rev. James Ellis Boyd will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Hardens Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with Reverend Tom Jones and Reverend Richard Soper officiating.
Interment will follow with full Masonic rights.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that a donation be made in Rev. Boyd’s honor to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. https://www.pcf.org/about-us/

Ronnie L. Stewart Funeral Service Vidalia Chapel is in charge of arrangements.