Raymond Jasper "Pop-Pop" Boyd Sr.

Raymond Jasper Boyd Sr. "Pop-Pop," 87, loving husband of Beverly Boyd for 67 years, entered the lord's kingdom peacefully at home Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016.

He was born in Augusta, Georgia, Feb. 22, 1928. He moved to Connecticut as a young boy, but was always proud of his Georgia roots, and they ran deep - loving his pecans, peaches, and Georgia Bulldogs. He was a man of simple needs but great wisdom, and he took pride in everything he did, whether it was his work at Pratt & Whitney as an airplane mechanic for 33 years, painting for Vernon Parks & Rec in his "retirement" years, or building the many birdhouses that adorned their yard.

He and Beverly raised their four children in Bolton and were faithful BHS Bulldog fans cheering their children and grandchildren as they played or coached for the school teams. After the BHS years, they became loyal fans of the UConn women's basketball team, watching every game with loud enthusiasm! They taught their children to be respectful, work hard, love each other, and love the lord Jesus Christ. Of the many things Ray could take pride in, one of his greatest joys was his ministry as Pop-Pop the Clown, donning his red nose, wig, and colorful clown outfit to entertain the children and adults alike at his church and local fairs. He brought that joy to our many family gatherings over the years where Pop-Pop the Clown would hook up his trailer and tractor and drive all the grandchildren and cousins around the neighborhood laughing and honking away for hours.

He was a man of great faith and love. If he met you, he loved you, genuinely and deeply. It didn't matter who you were, where you were from or for how many years or minutes he had known you, he loved you just as Jesus Christ loves you. That was his greatest lesson and wish for us all: to love one another genuinely and un-judgmentally.

He is survived by the love of his life, Beverly Boyd; his beloved sister-in-law, Betty Ward; and sister, Betty Mason; his four children and their families: daughter Wendy and husband, Bill Robbins; son Raymond Jr. and wife, Lori; son Gary; and daughter Joyce and husband, Sam Bastarache; his seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many other beloved family members too numerous to name; and his brothers and sisters in faith from Mt. Zion Church.

The family would like to express great love and gratitude to the VNA staff and the many, many friends and family who have shared their love for Pop-Pop over the years and in recent days.

As requested by the family, there will be no formal services.

If you have a favorite memory or a kind word to share with the family, please address them to the Boyd Family, 36 Box Mountain Road, Bolton, CT 06043 or by email to lboyd330@sbcglobal.net.