Thomas H. "Tommy" Boyd

Deacon Thomas Henry Boyd was born in Rock Hill, SC to the late James Elmore Boyd and Lugenia Johnson Boyd on April 28, 1941.

He was baptized at an early age at Union Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC. He was educated in the Rock Hill public schools and attended Emmett Scott High School. He left Rock Hill in 1959 and relocated to New York where he worked at General Motors for 35 years. He was a mason assigned to the St. James Lodge #98 Prince Hall Masonic Temple in Harlem, NY where he served as a Past Master. He attended the Friendly Baptist Church in the Bronx, NY as a Deacon under Rev. Albert O.L Sutton and sang on the male chorus. His favorite song and most requested by the church members was, “Thunder”. While attending the Friendly Baptist Church, he met his wife Helen Clark, whom he loved and cherished. Their marriage, which lasted 21 years, was a testament to their devotion and commitment. After 55 years in New York City, he relocated back to his hometown of Rock Hill, SC in 2014.

He loved spending time with his friends, family, and his beloved dogs while creating memories that will be treasured forever. Yet, anyone who knew him understood that his greatest pastime was cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. In his eyes, they weren’t just a football team, they were the best team to ever grace this earth. His passion for the Steelers was unmatched, and he proudly wore the black and gold as a true fan through every season.

His gift of humor was more than just laughter, it was a light that brightened every gathering. He had a way of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories, filling the room with joy and easing even the heaviest of hearts. Friends were drawn to his endless sense of humor and the sound of shared laughter became his lasting legacy. Though his voice may be silent now, the happiness he brought into our lives will never fade, and his spirit will live on in every smile he inspired.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, James Elmore Boyd and Lugenia Johnson Boyd, sisters, Catherine B. McMoore, Lucille B. Robinson, Margaret Boyd Davidson; brothers, James Boyd Jr, Rev. Harvey Lee Boyd; son, Thomas D. Boyd.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Helen Clark Boyd, daughters Tosha Little (NY), Yvette Boyd (MA), son, Terence L. Boyd (FL), stepdaughters, Melinda Harris (PA), Dr. Jedediah Harris (SC) Regina Brock (NC) and stepson, Dietrich (Shawanna) Brock (NC); nephew, Roy “Puncho” Boyd who was born into the home with whom he shared a fatherly bond; niece, Ardie Patricia Boyd McNeal who was raised as his sister; brothers-In-Law, Jesse L. McMoore, James M. Robinson, Jason (Ruby) Clark, Kenneth (Ruth Ann) Clark; sisters-in-law, Evone (Leroy) Ellerbee, Olivia (Fred) McClendon; 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Each one held a special place in his heart, and he took great joy in being a guiding presence in their lives. His love and influence will continue to resonate through the generations