Boyd McKEOWN

1924 - 2018

McKEOWN, Boyd Well-known Music Educator, Boyd McKeown, passed away on April 8, 2018 at the age of 93. He was born on September 25, 1924, in Abilene, Texas. He grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt University. During WWII, Boyd played the trombone in the US Army Air Corps Band where he performed with Bob Hope and entertained General Dwight D. Eisenhower. After the war, Boyd completed his musical education degree. As band director at Marietta High School, his band was known for Superior Ratings. Boyd served as the Coordinator of Instrumental Music in the Cobb Co. Schools. Following his retirement from public schools, Boyd served as Executive Director of the Georgia Music Educators Association and received their lifetime achievement award. He was also member of the Phi Beta Mu Georgia Bandmaster Hall of Fame. Boyd was a member of United Unitarian Church of Atlanta. He was also active in the Cobb County Arts Council, community affairs and civic clubs. Preceding Boyd in death were his parents Boyd M. and Coralie McKeown and his first wife, Edna Outlaw McKeown. Those left with unforgettable memories of Boyd are his wife Sybil Parr of Marietta; daughter, Kelly Waits (Russell) of Decatur, granddaughter, Camilla Waits; step daughters, Lori Brackett (Billy), Karen Carper (Todd), ; step grandchildren, Ansley Sand( Matt), Will Brackett, Justin McNeal and Kristen McNeal; step great grand children, Quinley and Taelyn Sand and Boyd's sister, Anne Smalley, of Knoxville, TN, along with several nieces and nephews. Two celebrations of Boyd's life will be held: A Memorial Service will take place at the United Unitarian Church of Atlanta. A Musical Memorial Concert will be held at the Marietta Performing Arts Center. The Cobb New Horizons Band, in which he was the oldest member, will perform some of Boyd's favorite musical selections. Details for these celebrations will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to: Children's Tumor Foundation (www.CTF.org) in honor of Boyd. Medford-Peden Funeral Home Marietta, is taking care of all arrangements. 770-427-8447.