Obituary of John Harlan Boyd

John Harlan Boyd was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the age of 84 years old. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2024, at The Chapel at Griffin~Hillcrest of Ardmore, Okla. He will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Ardmore. John was born to Harlan McGuire Boyd and Lillian Myrtle (Culp) Boyd on June 3, 1939 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. He served his country through the National Guard in Company H, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, Company A, 245th Transportation Battalion, 45th Infantry Division, and the 2nd Battalion, 245th Armored 45th Infantry Division. During his service John achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. John had a successful paint contracting business for approximately 40 years in Ardmore, Oklahoma, where he and his father worked together under the name H.M. Boyd and Son. John served as a Deacon at First Orthodox Baptist Church, where he and Gayle were members for many years. They subsequently joined Maranatha Freewill Baptist Church, where they attended many years up until their relocation to Oklahoma City, Okla. Dad will be missed greatly, but we know his body was tired and he said many times months before passing that he was so ready to go and be with Jesus. What a wonderful hope we have as children of God! He was predeceased by his parents, Harlan McGuire Boyd and Lillian Boyd, his son, William Bryan Boyd, sisters: Wanda Sue Blalock Lemons, Claudia Price, Shirley Ann Boyd, Joyce Brakebill, and nephew, Kevin Marks. John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gayle Marie Boyd, son, John Wyatt Boyd and wife, Karen Denise Boyd, and daughter, Angela Marie Washburn. John is also survived by his grandson, Alexander Christian Boyd and wife, Alicia K. Boyd, and their daughter, Eliana Ruth Boyd, grandson, Michael James Boyd, and granddaughter, Haley Marie Washburn. Serving as casket bearers will be Michael Boyd, Hank Brame, Ricky Slinkard, Denny Taylor, Kevin Taylor, and Chase Wise. Viewing for friends will be held on Thursday evening, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, March 28, 2024, at Griffin~Hillcrest, Ardmore.