BOYD W CLOSE

1926 - 2013

Boyd W. Close, 86, a longtime resident of Perry, passed away on Jan. 25, 2013, in Wakulla County.
He was born Feb. 4, 1926, to Mr. Karl (Charles) Close and Mrs. Lela (Norton) Close in Big Bear Beach. He grew up in Lakeport, and joined the U.S. Navy after graduating from Moore Haven High School. A veteran of World War II, he studied forestry at the University of Florida, graduating in 1949. He worked for the state of Florida as a forester for a short time before going to work for Proctor & Gamble, where he retired after 34 years. He was a leader in the field of forestry, at one point managing over a million acres of forestland, more than any other individual in the state of Florida at the time. He lived a life of service and integrity and gave freely of his time to others.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Crawfordville. In Perry he was an active member of the First Baptist Church and the Florida Forestry Association. He also served on the boards of the Children's Home Society, the Buckeye Federal Credit Union, Aucilla Christian Academy, Suwannee River Water Management District, Doctors Memorial Hospital, and the Florida Trail Association. He was active for many years in the Boy Scouts of America, volunteering as a Scout Master.
Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Perry on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 at 2 p.m. with Rev. David Fell officiating. The family received friends beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday up until the time of the service. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Children's Home Society of Florida at www.chsfl.org.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 38 years, Martha Kate Close.
Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Louise Young Close of Crawfordville; son, Bert Close (Janeen) of Peachtree City, Ga.; daughter, Patricia Barton (Patrick) of Peachtree City, Ga.; step-daughters, Theresa Hernandez (Louis) of Crawfordville, and Jennie Barnes of Perry; sister, Mildred Reynolds (Lou) of Baton Rouge, La. Also surviving him are two grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, eight step-great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
All arrangements are under the care of Joe P. Burns Funeral Home in Perry.