James Garry Boyd Sr

James Garry Boyd Senior, born July 1, 1952, passed away peacefully from natural causes on July 22, 2026 at the age of 74 while in his home surrounded by his adoring family. Garry, a lifelong Chattanooga area resident, was a cherished husband, father, Papaw, brother, and friend. Garry leaves behind a legacy of music, light, and love, having spent over 60 years as a musician. Second only to his wife and family, music was his true love and life’s passion. He devoted his singing years to The Last Day Gospel Heirs, spreading the Lord’s gospel through song. Garry’s favorite hobby was karaoke and he loved spending time with his family at barbecues and gatherings. At any get-together, you could find Papaw wherever the food was being cooked, sneaking samples of the meal. His family fondly remembers his love of old Western films, straight black coffee, seafood salad, country and gospel music, Christmas ham, and “The Big Bang Theory” TV show. Garry was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Hicks Boyd and his mother Mary Ruth Skinner, his siblings Roy Lee Boyd, Robert “Buddy” Boyd, George Terrell Boyd, and Donna Faye Boyd-Rogers, and his sons James Garry Boyd Jr. and Ernest Hicks Boyd. Garry is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Rebecca “Becky” Boyd, his children Kristie Lynn Boyd and Nathan Terrell Boyd, his 12 grandchildren, his 9 great-grandchildren, his brother Steve Boyd, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved and cherished him dearly. We wish to extend special thanks to Amedisys Hospice for their caring presence in Garry’s final days, and to our grand-daughters Alyson and Destanie who devoted their time, love, and support to our family during Papaw’s transition. While he will be deeply missed, we know that Papaw has returned home to the Lord to be with his parents, siblings, and his sons, and he is giving them all bear hugs for us.