John Henry Boyd

John Henry Boyd, 90 years old, peacefully crossed over into glory surrounded by his family on August 23, 2023. He was 90 years old. He was born on a farm near Amarillo, TX. on December 23, 1932 and was a long-time resident of Warner Robins. 

After attending Texas public schools, he graduated in 1951 and attended Texas Tech before entering the USAF in 1953. John was initially trained and worked as an aircraft and engine mechanic until entering the Aviation Cadet program where he earned his commission and pilots rating in 1955. He served as a pilot in various command and staff positions as well as in air operations in Korea and later in Viet Nam where he flew F-100’s in 1966 and later as a Plans and Programs officer in 7AF Hq. in Saigon. Much of his career was spent as Aircraft Commander on a B-47 combat crew and later on KC-135 crew.  He was a member of a specialized tanker unit which supported worldwide SR-71 Operations and returned often to SE Asia.  His final assignment was with the Tanker Task Force in Alaska providing air refueling for air reconnaissance operations in the Arctic during the height of the cold war.  In his final couple of years of service, he was the Chief of the TTF.  During his career he earned awards and decorations that included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star, Air Medal with numerous clusters as well as others. He retired as an AF Lt. Col in 1973. 

Mr. Boyd then worked with several General Contractors in heavy civil construction projects, serving in positions from foreman to Vice President. Significant projects included the complete rebuilding of the main runway at Nassau International Airport  and initial paving of the, then new, 8 acre employee parking lot at Hartsfield International Airport.  He retired from contracting work in 1993 and began his own tax practice. He was an Enrolled Agent, admitted to practice before IRS and served several hundred individual and business clients in the Middle Georgia area until closing his practice in 2021. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Moss and Mary Norma Boyd. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Roberta Green of Warner Robins and his 6 children; Thomas Boyd of Atlanta, Rebecca Boyd of Warner Robins, Lynn (Claude) Brown of Atlanta, Janet Boyd of Warner Robins, Charles (Joy) Boyd of Alpharetta, Teresa Boyd of Miami and five grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on September 9, 2023 at St. Christophers Episcopal Church in Perry, Ga. with inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery. 

John requested that in lieu of flowers any honorary may be given to your church or a Veterans group of your choice.

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