GREENSBORO — Jerry Thomas Boyd, 71, of Greensboro, NC, passed away on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at his residence. He was born January 16, 1941, in Hopkinsville, KY, to the late Russell Douglas Boyd and Mary Boyd Wallace and also predeceased by his stepfather, Walter "Buster" Wallace.

He was a longtime member of both Westover Church and, later, Friendly Avenue Baptist Church. He was a graduate of Murray State University and a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam conflict. After the Navy, he worked for Burlington Industries for nearly 40 years as a Corporate Cost Accountant.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jo Anne Baker Boyd; his daughter, Christy Boyd Kirksey, and her husband, Giles, of Greensboro, NC; and his son, Michael Shawn Boyd, and his wife, Lori, of Belews Creek, NC. He was especially proud of his grandchildren who were the light of his life: Christopher Giles Kirksey, James Michael Kirksey, Isabella Anne Kirksey, and Cooper Thomas Boyd.

A celebration of Jerry's life and his crazy hats will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Pat Cronin and Reverend John D. Baker, Jr., presiding with military honors performed by the N.C. National Guard. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Jerry's memory to Friendly Avenue Baptist Church at 4800 West Friendly Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27410.

Online condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com