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Joseph R. Boyd

1949 - 2021

Joseph R. Boyd obituary, 1949-2021, Tallahassee, FL

BORN

1949

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee

200 John Knox Road

Tallahassee, Florida

Joseph Boyd Obituary

Joseph R. Boyd

Tallahassee - …no one had a better sense of self.

Joseph R. Boyd passed into eternal peace suddenly on January 6, 2021, with his wife of 41 years by his side.

Joe was born in Miami, Florida on June 26, 1949 to Joseph A. Boyd, Jr. and Anilouise Striping Boyd. He was one of five children: Joanne, Betty Jean, Jim, and Jane. The Boyd clan was as close as a family could be—bound by mutual love, respect, and joviality.

In good times or bad, Joe was always ready with a calming quip. His family and friends knew they could count on him for an atmosphere of fun and laughter. He worked hard, played hard, and loved with all his heart.

He achieved many goals in his life, but the force that drove him was family, friends, and his love of the law. Over the last year he worked tirelessly to keep himself, his wife, family, friends, staff, and clients safe from the pandemic. He was just as determined to continue practicing law. Adapting to new technologies as he did so often in his career, he handled one of the first multi-day family law trials in Tallahassee using Zoom. Joe did not die of this heartbreaking disease but in some way was a casualty. He always said, "Stay safe and believe in science."

Joe started his career on the staff of the Judiciary Committee of the Florida House of Representatives from 1972-75. He was active with the Florida Bar for decades. As one of the only lawyers in Florida who was Board Certified as an expert in both Real Estate Law and Marital & Family Law, Joe was especially proud of his time on the Florida Bar's Board of Legal Specialization & Education, as a liaison to the Real Estate Certification Committee, and as a charter member on the Florida Family Law Rules Committee. He had been General Counsel to the Tallahassee Board of Realtors for over 30 years.

Joe loved the law and loved being an attorney. He considered the law a craft—a skill to be honed, like a woodcarver works with wood. He respected the law and the people he worked with throughout his career. Joe set his eyes on the law when he was young. He aimed to follow in his father's footsteps. He wanted to be a champion for clients in courtrooms and boardrooms alike. To those who loved and worked with him, the consensus is he succeeded beautifully.

Joe is survived by his wife, Sue; sons, Joseph R. Boyd, Jr. (Carrie) of Tallahassee and Jonathan W. Boyd (Shannon) of Largo, FL; grandchildren, Katherine R. Boyd and Victoria L. Boyd of Tallahassee, Gabriel W. Boyd of Peninsula, OH, Ethan Morrison of Granbury, TX and 9 month-old great-granddaughter, Violet. He had a special love for his cat Cindy who is still calling him and waiting.

Survivors also include his sisters, Betty Jean Jala (Dave) of Hoschton, GA and Jane Boyd Ohlin (John) of Tallahassee, FL, and brother, Jim Boyd (Laure) of The Villages, FL. The uncle (the funny, mischievous one) to nephews and nieces, James Goldman, Tom Goldman, Jason Jala, Joanne Jala Barnett, Stacy Boyd, Lindsay Rhodus, J.P. Bell, Cameron Ohlin and Ryan Ohlin.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph A. Boyd, Jr and Anilouise (Miss Ann) Striping Boyd, his sister, Joanne Boyd Goldman, his nephew, Matthew Boyd as well as his grandparents Joseph A. Boyd and Esther Puckett Boyd and John R. Stripling and Estelle Greene Stripling.

The family would like to give a special thanks to emergency medical responders and the emergency trauma unit at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare who tried so hard to keep him with us.

The family would like to pay special tribute to the friends who have helped Joe throughout his life and are now helping his heartbroken wife, Sue: Dr. Rick Damron (retired); James and Mary Rudnick; Joe and Leslie Serpico; and so many more friends, former clients, and colleagues in the legal community that have reached out during this sad time.

There will be a private family graveside service for Joe on January 13, 2021. The family will honor Joe's dedication to keep his loved ones safe by following the CDC's guidelines during this time of mourning. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, when all who loved him can meet in person.

In lieu of flowers, Joe would have preferred that donations be made, if desired, to one of his favorite charities: Shriners Hospital for Children c/o Marzuq Shrine Temple,1805 N. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303; Alzheimer's Project, Inc.,301 E. Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303 and Leon County Humane Society, 413 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312.

Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) are assisting the Boyd family with their arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Boyd

Sponsored by Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee Cremation-Prearrangement Center.

Not sure what to say?





Becky Henderson Whaley

March 9, 2022

I just found out today Joe passed. He molded and shaped my career path as a young teenager who started working with him at 17 years old in the good old child support enforcement world! I will never forget summoning someone to court instead of subpoenaing them! He started to chew me out, looked at me and said it's not your fault, it's mine. A great man and mentor. To the family I pray for peace and comfort!

Debbie Kirkland

January 15, 2021

I appreciate Joe so much. During my career as a Real estate agent and Broker, he gave me guidance, support and always had a way of knowing if I was troubled or needed a few minutes of his time. He was one of the first people I met at my first Tallahassee Board of Realtors meeting. I won't forget his kind eyes and welcoming grab around the shoulder. When I was President and wanted to use his downtown condo for my officer's dinner, he graciously obliged and won my mom's heart by complimenting her on her food and cooking skills - and his pride in her daughter! Joe gave us sound, solid advice and counsel and TBR was part of his heart as were its members. His was watchful and his jokes were always timely and lightened the mood and our minds. We will miss his presence and always honor his memory. Blessings to his family for sharing him with us all and so many more.

Brenda Mitchell

January 15, 2021

I met Mr. Boyd once at his sons home in Tallahassee. He was a very nice man and seems to enjoy life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Brenda and Wayne Mitchell

Joanne Barnett

January 15, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful man. We will love you and miss you always.

Kelly Overstreet Johnson

January 14, 2021

There are no good words to capture the essence of Joe Boyd. He was an overall great guy; a great lawyer and colleague; a great friend. Joe will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. RIP my friend.

Karen (Manning) Clark

January 13, 2021

When you scroll through the collage of people in your life, most of us only have a few friends that are truly in our corner. People who believe in you no matter what, who lift you up when you need it or simply lend you a shoulder to weather the storm. Joe was always one of those friends. The kind of friend you could call at 4 in the morning from 5 hours away and know that they would do everything in their power to come bail you out of whatever predicament you were in.

In the 35 years I have known Joe I was proud to work with him on so many projects that benefited the people of Florida – from the St. Marks Historic Bike Trail to the South Florida Tri-County Rail to the Florida Forever land conservation program. I still have the “Unlicensed Practice of Law” certificate that he awarded me on our first project together and I will cherish it along with his memory.

Joe never feared to fight for what he thought was right – for his family, his friends, and his clients – and his brilliance and dedication will be forever missed.

Kim Koutnik

January 13, 2021

He was a great human being, no one like him, humble, accepting, kind, fun to be around, and smarter and more perceptive than anyone else in the room yet didn't let you know it. He will truly be missed, one of a kind, a chosen being!!!

Bob and Margo Goldman

January 11, 2021

We have been blessed to have known Joe and the rest of the Boyd clan for so many years. Joe was always funny , always kind, and straightforward. We look forward to a time when we can meet in person and share in a tribute to Joe. We especially send our love to Sue, who was his love and best friend for more than 40 years. Jim, Jeannie, and Jane have lost a dear brother; but will have a trove of good stories to carry them forward. We also want Joe’s sons and grandchildren to know that we share their sorrow. Our prayers are with the family members who now are left to treasure the memory of a man who was larger than life. His impact will be everlasting.

Victoria Bramblett

January 11, 2021

Joe was such a sweet and warm soul. He was loved by so many people and will be missed by everyone. We send our condolences to the Boyd family.
Much love and prayer,
Donnie, Victoria and Kourtney Bramblett

Sandee Coulter

January 10, 2021

Such a shock to read and such a sadness for so many people. I’m so thankful I was able to know Joe for so many years and I was blessed to watch his love story with Sue ❤ who he totally adored.

Dewey Riou

January 10, 2021

I met Joe 25 years ago, when he became my attorney. From our first meeting he felt like a friend. What he did for my family changed all of our lives for the better.
My prayers and thoughts are with Sue and the Boyd family. If it's any comfort, just know that ours are only a few of the lives Joe touched in a meaningful way.

Gail McDonald

January 10, 2021

Joe’s vibrant smile and personality would light up the room. I cannot believe the light is gone. Joe will be remembered in the many lives he touched along the way. Thank you for being my friend...I will never forget you. Sue, you know how much I love you. Please....please allow me to help you and your family in any way I can.

Karen Cone

January 10, 2021

Joe was a dear friend to me for over 30 years. He was a kind, patient gentleman with the utmost respect and knowledge of the law. He greatly valued his family, clients and friends. Joe came from an ethical and respectable family. As I grew up, I was always welcome and treated well by the entire Boyd family. I know where Joe's spirit has gone, and I truly hope to see him again someday. Rest easy, my dear friend.

Jane Boyd Ohlin

January 9, 2021

I feel so blessed to have had Joe as a brother. His witty sense of humor always brought smiles to everyone who knew him. Joe was always the one who energized the room and made everyone feel glad to be in his presence. He cared very much for his wife, family and friends. Joe also was very intelligent and known for problem solving. He was a lawyer’s lawyer and a true professional. He had such a passion for the law that he had no intention of retiring. He enjoyed the practice of law as if it were his hobby. Joe will be missed in so many ways. I am thankful for the many vacations our siblings took together over the years and highly recommend others consider starting the tradition in their own families.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful and kind comments.

Shannon Novey

January 9, 2021

Joe was a colleague, a worthy opposing counsel, and a good friend. I will miss him greatly. Sending our love to Sue, Rob, JD, Sandra, and the whole B&D crowd. May his memory be for a blessing. Shannon Novey and Joe Williams

Bert Hartsfield

January 9, 2021

What a loss to tallahassee, both he and his father brought integrity and class to the justice
System
Will be missed !!
Thoughts and prayers go out to his family

Mike and Julie DUNN

January 8, 2021

Our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and his staff. Joe was more than my attorney over the last couple years, I considered him a friend. May God wrap you in his arms of comfort in these days. As you deal with the loss of a very special man. Mike and Julie Dunn

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee

200 John Knox Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303

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