Boyd Millsap

Boyd David Millsap ABINGDON, Va. Boyd David Millsap, age 82, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Nov. 12, 2009, surrounded by his loving and caring family at his home, after a valiant battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Born July 8, 1927, in Washington County, Va., he was the son of the late Lushion N. Donally Millsap and Mamie Alice Allen Lethcoe. Boyd was eighth of eleven children. Boyd attended Bethel High School and entered military service in the U.S. Army. He served his tour of duty in Germany and France from August 1945 to May 1947. After returning from service to his country, he attended Washington County Trade School. Boyd began his career with Piggly Wiggly in Abingdon and some three years later began working for Sperry Farragut in Bristol as a machinist. After working three years for Sperry Farragut, he went to work for Raytheon Manufacturing in Bristol as a machinist. During his time with Raytheon, Boyd assisted with manufacturing missile parts for the Aero Space program which launched the first monkey into outer space. Boyd returned to Sperry in 1957 which years later became Univac. Boyd retired in 1986 from Univac after 33 years of service. Boyd met and fell in love with Audrey Jeanette Phelps and they were married in March 1954. Boyd and Jeanette have two children, David and Diane. Boyd enjoyed his career as a machinist, but he always had a passion for farming. Growing up on a farm in Washington County, he purchased a farm in 1967 which gave him peace and many years of enjoyment and pride. Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, and all his brothers and sisters except for one brother, Bruce G. Millsap of Abingdon. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Audrey Jeanette Millsap; one son, David and his wife Mary and granddaughter, Traci Michelle who became the inspiration of his life; his care giving and loving daughter, Diane Thomas and husband Ike, all of Abingdon. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Edsel Phelps; and sisters-in-law, Nora Millsap and Delephine Sternaman; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Pat Jennings and Tim Pickle; and fury friend, Jack. Boyd was a member of the Harry Denton Sunday School Class of the Abingdon Baptist Church where he spent many years as a Sunday school greeter. He was a member of the VFW Patton Crosswhite Post 6975 and a member of the Abingdon Masonic Lodge 48 A.F. & A.M. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the Abingdon Baptist Church, with Dr. Steven Pollard and Minister Bill Haywood officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Masonic Garden in Abingdon. Active pallbearers are Freddie Dye, Tim Pickle, Cecil Tabor, John Thomas, Jason Thomas and Willard Doss. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Grogan, Harold Mullins, A.J. Miller, Bo Henderson, Jim Jones, Bill Simcox, J F Cook, Danny Childress and the remaining members of the Harry Denton Sunday School Class, Abingdon Baptist Church. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside service. The family will receive friends on Friday, Nov. 13, 6 to 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the Abingdon Baptist Church. A Masonic Service will be conducted at 8:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The family would like to express a special thanks to Susie Doss, Nancy Farron, Brenda Mumpower, Bobbie Thomas, John Thomas, Jennifer Taylor, NP., Highlands Internal Medicine and Hospice of Southwest Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in celebration of Boyd's life may be made to the Abingdon Baptist Church, 361 West Main St., Abingdon, VA 24211; or to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20004. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.frostfuneralhome.com Frost Funeral Home LLC 250 East Main St., Abingdon, VA 24211 is serving the family of Mr. Millsap.