William Marshal Boyd

September 22, 1931 - August 25, 2020
William Marshal Boyd

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William Marshal Boyd, 88, of Washington, NC, passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. Mr Boyd was the husband of Opal Taylor Boyd who preceded him in death in August 2016. They were married for 63 years.

Mr Boyd was in the US Army where he served active duty in the Korean War. He was a decorated Korean War veteran and was one of many who participated in the Inchon Invasion. This invasion was a turning point in the war.

He also served for 43 years in both the Washington Police Department and in Beaufort County as a Narcotics and ABC Officer. His great kindness and sense of duty and responsibility saved many people. Stories were shared where he was able to help those going down the "wrong path" to choose a more productive life. He was the recipient of the Optimist Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award during his service. After 43 years, he retired and then continued working part time with the Beaufort County ABC Board.

Mr Boyd was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Taylor Boyd; two children, Danny Boyd and Shari Boyd; a grandson, Matthew Boyd and two brothers.

He is survived by his son: Timothy Marshal Boyd (Laurie) of Hampstead, NC; his granddaughters: Jennifer Boyd of Sanford, NC, Erin Camp (Tim) of Greenville, NC and Melanie Housley (Marcus) of Washington, NC.; great grandchildren: Cayden Cushing, Levi Camp, Riley Flynn, Marquis Housley, Eli Housley and Mason Camp, as well as two brothers: Jesse Boyd of Greenville, NC and Clarence Boyd Jr of Charleston SC; as well as numerous friends.

Because of the pandemic, a private family service will be held as a celebration of his life. Interment will be at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, NC. Pallbearers will be Timothy Boyd, Jesse Boyd,Timothy Camp, Marcus Housley, Cayden Cushing and Joseph Paul, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Beaufort County Law Enforcement Officers Association, PO Box 483, Washington, NC 27889 or Greenville Public Safety Pipes and Drums, 1468 Canter Way, Ayden, NC 28513.

You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.josephpaulfdl.com.
Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Director Licensee of Washington is serving the Boyd family.

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  • August 29, 2020
    Doris Daniel says:
    William you will be missed. I know you rejoiced when you got to Heaven. Prayers for comfort for the family. He was a kind and goodman.

  • August 29, 2020
    Randy and Bonnie Lee says:
    He will be truly missed.

  • August 28, 2020
    Sue Roberson says:
    Hi Melanie, so sorry to read about William's death. As you know, I knew most of your family and always thought a lot of all of them! Thinking of you,

  • August 27, 2020
    Patricia Ellison says:
    I remember visiting Aunt Annie as a child William always had time for his "little" cousins. The last time I saw him was at Dick's funeral and we had a laugh over our memories. I will always be sorry we were not closer to Aunt Annie's boys after we all grew up. Cousin Pat Edward's Ellison.

  • August 27, 2020
    Joan Padgett says:
    Sorry for your loss. I was a friend from First FW Baptist church and feel we lost a wonderful person.

  • August 27, 2020
    Danny & Teresa Smith says:
    We have many fond memories of both Mr. William and Mrs. Opal from years ago at First Freewill Baptist Church. May he reunite with those who went on before him, Prayers for all the family.

  • August 27, 2020
    Fritz Tanner SR> says:
    I remember the days at Tom Man Carter's Service Station, you ended up in the Law and I ended serving Steaks. I know truly Bill was inspiration to others. He was to me. God BlessFritz Tanner SR.

  • August 27, 2020
    Jackie Beacham says:
    So sorry for your family's loss. Mr Boyd was my mother's (Rue Nell Boyd Mayo) first cousin. Prayers for you all

  • August 27, 2020
    Michael Nelson says:
    Remember him well and his lovely wife from my childhood. Remember the boys also, we use to play together. Wm. Michael Nelson

  • August 27, 2020
    James and. Helen Pinkham says:
    So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family.

  • August 27, 2020
    Dalto0n Jones says:
    I grew up with his family. Always treated me as one of the family God has gotten a real hero for people he guided down the right path.

  • August 26, 2020
    Zola Castillo says:
    RIP Mr. Boyd. I am glad I got to meet you.

  • August 26, 2020
    Milton Hodges says:
    Sorry for your loss.

  • August 26, 2020
    Judy Beacham says:
    So sorry to hear of Mr. William's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Melanie,Tim and all of your families, and with Mr. William's dear friend and devoted caregiver Teresa Lee, whom he often referred to as his "adopted daughter".Although I've known William for many years, I had the priviledge of getting to know him more closely over the past 5 years, as we all attended several family events with Teresa and her family including holidays,birthdays and other family gatherings. He will be dearly missed by all, as many lives were touched by him through his loyalty to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ , and through his long-term Law Enforcement career. Rest Easy dear friend.

  • August 26, 2020
    JoKay Smith says:
    So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with William over the years at the Beaufort County ABC Board. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

  • August 26, 2020
    Luther and Loretta Bailey says:
    Always loved Opal & William so much. Love & prayers for his family.

  • August 26, 2020
    Lynn Pinkham says:
    So very sorry for your loss. Praying for God's peace and comfort for all of you at this difficult time.

  • August 25, 2020
    Dorothy Pinkham Smith says:
    I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort and peace.