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Timeline for Wilford Boyd
Born:
Died: December 20, 2015
Wilford P. Boyd, Jr. (BILL BOYD), born in Cheverley, MD, 24 years U. S. Army, died the afternoon of 20 December 2015 at home with his puppy buddies – Abbey, Fritzie, and Joey – on his lap. Beloved husband of Judy Hargrave, together one month shy of 36 years. Married in Honolulu, Hawaii, January 22, 1980, vows renewed in chapel at Ft. McPherson, GA, December 26, 1985. God brought us together, kept us together, and mercifully took Bill quickly in the peace of our home. Living with scleroderma 20+ years, the last three years were a struggle for him though he didn’t often or openly complain. This year, 2015, had been particularly difficult.
His best and last duty station: AFN Bremerhaven, GE from 1988 to 1993 when he had to shut it down.That broke his heart as he loved Germany and being an AFRTS broadcaster. Half of his Army career was spent in Germany. Upon retiring and returning to the States, he stayed in radio broadcasting several years before giving his all to his new career teaching high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors English/Literature at Mountain View High School for 11 years in Tucson, AZ. He enjoyed the students and being a teacher very much. Health issues caused him to retire sooner than he would’ve liked.
Steadfast, faithful, deeply committed to family and friends though not always able to verbally express his heartfelt sentiments to others, he was reserved with a quiet strength, a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, a lover of animals, a good provider, an excellent writer with a sharp mind, an avid reader of books, magazines, and newspapers (hard copies and on the internet), always actively engaged and knowledgeable in world affairs both at home and abroad, a U of Maryland graduate and a diehard Maryland Terrapin fan (Fear the Turtle!).
We moved into the Sunflower (Active Adult) Community in 2001 knowing this would be our final destination. Our home was his sanctuary. The last couple years he enjoyed the weekly morning coffee group meetings with neighbors and friends immensely. The computer was his lifeline to the outside and the vehicle by which he stayed in touch with his many friends scattered throughout the U. S. and Germany.
He leaves behind his devoted dachshunds (Abbey, Fritz, Joey) and wife, Judy Hargrave, two older sisters: Joan (Mick) Immich of Sanford, FL and Carol (Don) Cox of Biloxi, MS, and a younger brother, Robert (Debbie) Boyd of Chaptico, MD plus numerous nieces and nephews. Also brother-in-law to Joanne (Benny) Traughber of Palmyra, TN, Sharon Hargrave, Tucson, AZ, David (Christine) Hargrave of Pepperell, MA, and son-in-law to Marianne Hargrave of Valrico, FL. Bill was dearly loved and will be truly missed by all.
His ashes will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery, date to be determined (late spring 2016?).
A local memorial service at Continental Baptist Church located in Coyote Trail Elementary School will be held January 10th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Though he didn’t always make his preferences specific or known, his heart was heavy-laden for military veterans and animals. Please let the Lord lead you in this regard.
Also please listen to John Bucchino’s song “Grateful” on the internet. It expresses our feelings perfectly.
So Sad! We all have great memories listening to Bill and AFN Bremerhaven ! Great Memories on the bygone days :-( R.I.P. condolences from Bremerhaven!
Es war Wunderschön dich auf Radiosender AFN Bremerhaven zu hören Ruhe in Frieden grüße aus Nord Deutschland
Bill and Judy and their many \"babies\" have been my friends for so long they are more family than friends. I will always be in awe of Bill's ability to be so knowledgeable about so many subjects. Recently, when I received some very devastating medical news, I needed to talk to someone who would be both sympathetic but also honest about certain feelings and thoughts I was experiencing. The only person I called was Bill. We had a very long and honest discussion that ended with him telling me to never give up and fight for life as he did. Bill, I listened and my friend I am fighting as you advised. I love you Bill. Thank you for being my friend.
To the Boyd family I'm sorry for your loss. I met Bill back in the 70s while stationed at AFN Frankfurt. I visited AFN Bremerhaven and met with Bill and the staff. I remember him as a nice guy.
Bill was my last station manager at AFN Bremerhaven. He was an outstanding broadcaster and leader of soldiers. There isn't enough time to list the thing I learned from him. I've credited Bill many times over that last 25+ years for my ability to communicate clearly and correctly, in the written word. Beyond that, Bill Boyd was a good man! I'm proud to say I knew him and am saddened by his passing.
Bill was my News Director in Seoul and taught me a great deal about radio, television and writing (especially writing). His lessons became part of the foundation that has helped me have a long career in television journalism. Bill was one of the best bosses I ever had. I remember telling him that when we crossed paths in Germany, a few years after our assignments in Korea. He gave me a puzzled look and said \"really?\" I told him it was true. I think he didn't realize how much influence he had on me and the other young soldiers he led. I've always respected Bill and been grateful for what he taught me. I'm sad that he's passed, but glad I had the chance to know him, even if it was only for a short time.
Bill and I served together at AFN Bremerhaven in the last 1970s during his first tour there, and we stayed in touch via the various Facebook pages until recently. He updated me on his health and his trips to the doctor but I just didn't understand how serious his health was. He was a great soldier who was always willing to do anything asked of him. So hard to believe that he is gone. I will continue to pray for his entire family. Jim
Good times, good music - that's the memories when I hear or read about AFN. As a translator working at DEH, I worked in Building 1, Carl Scurz Kaserne, Bremerhaven which also housed AFN Bremerhaven. As a former work neighbor I send my sympathy to his wife and family. May Bill's soul may rest in peace.
I never met Bill in person but listening to him at AFN Bremerhaven brings back good and sad memories. I know how he felt closing down the radio station after all those years. I, as the former manager of the Harbor House Hotel in Bremerhaven, was one of the last persons that had to close down the transient billets and turn out the lights for ever in June 1993- May he rest in peace!
Dear Bill, thanks for your all your broadcastings in Bremerhaven in the 70th AFN was my favourite R.I.P
Bill's classroom was next to the Special Education office at MVHS, my domain. I came to appreciate him as a teacher with high standards for his students. We frequently had chats about students, the changing world, military (my husband also retired military), Maryland and music, music, music. He had a wonderful collection that I could listen to through that 'shared' wall before or after the school day. Bill was a good, ethical man and the world is poorer without him.
This is a beautiful description of the Bill I was privileged to know. His quick wit and sense of humor lives on in my memory, as I still chuckle when I recall some remarks he made. I was and remain impressed of his wide range of interests, and his voracious love of reading. Though I am sad at his passing, I still rejoice in a life well lived. God speed, Bill! Your journey here has ended, but new adventures and peace await!
Bill was my friend and colleague at MVHS from the very start. We made a connection through our love of media and music. We frequently enjoyed discussions of bias in the media. I know his students admired him because I would often hear anecdotes about his classroom management and 'push-up challenges'. He had a dry sense of humor and was always willing to work in collaborative settings. Bill frequently provided valuable insights from his wealth of experience. He and Judy always blessed our Video Club kids by donating to our annual fundraisers. When my wife and I left December 15th for California, Bill was back home and felling better. So, we were shocked to find out on Facebook this morning that he has passed over. Virginia and I want to express our deepest condolences to Judy, his family and all who were blessed by knowing him. We will see you on the other side Bill.
I am going to share what I wrote on my Facebook Wall. I shared similar at the memorial.Today I attended yet another memorial for one of Mountain View High Schools fallen heroes. I have attended (and missed) far too many of these over the years, this one was different though. This was not for a fellow student, but for a former teacher, Mr. Boyd. Many of you may have just shuddered when reading that, I know not everyone was a fan of his. I have had many teachers touch my heart over the years, and he was one of them. I would like to share with you my memories of Mr. Boyd, consider it one last writing assignment. I am writing this on my phone, and it definitely will not contain well formulated paragraphs, so I guess we can call it a Brain Storming activity. When I met Mr. Boyd I was a scared little freshman. I had heard horror stories of him from my big sister. The two of them did not get along. I am thankful I had a different experience. I actually walked into his class late, which if you had Boyd, you knew was not good. The school had listed the incorrect classroom on my schedule, so I walked into David Low's classroom first, filled with music posters on the walls. I wondered to myself how my big sister could not get along with a teacher like this, only for me to spot him and know I was in the wrong classroom. Mr. Boyd gave us weekly current event assignments, I hated them, but I see now how he was trying to help us develop our own opinions on the world. That was how Mr. Boyd was, he saw us all as young ADULTS, he demanded the same respect that he gave us, and held us accountable for our actions the same way we do (or atleast should) be held accountable as adults. I remember reading Romeo and Juliet in his classroom and the class giggling as the nurse reminisced on her late husband, telling Juliet that atleast when she fell she landed on her back and that she will get used to that. He quickly turned our attention back to reading. He had what I like to call a Professor McGonagall look, the ability to silence and command a room in just one look. One day I will learn to master that look. I have 3 very fond memories of Mr. Boyd. The first, is the way he was willing to work with me during lunch as I was struggling to recognize certain parts of sentence structure, I don't even remember which ones anymore. The second, is when I had said I was going to write my book report on Catcher in the Rye and he told me not to because that would be required reading next year, I think that's when he stopped looking at me as Amber Casali 's little sister and started seeing me as myself. The last, and definitely my favorite, was when a football player just really did not want to do work in class that day (it was a half day) and so he challenged him to a push up contest. If the football player won, then we would have a free day, if Mr. Boyd won then we would have a pop quiz. He had this twinkle in his eye when he challenged him, like he knew he was going to win. We didn't think so though, how could this older man beat this young football player at a push up contest? Well he did, not only did he beat him, but he beat him while doing clap push ups, then finished by standing on his head. Mr. Boyd recognized the potential in all of his students, and pushed every one of them to do the very best that they could. Thank you Mr. Boyd. May your memory be eternal.
I enjoyed transferring all of Bill's air checks and commercials - hours of them just a few months ago! He was a great broadcaster and manager. His air checks were an example of excellence.
I had the deepest respect and admiration for this fellow AFNer. I met Bill when I served as News Director in Frankfurt and Bill would always stop by my office to chat on his trips to Headquarters. What a fine gentleman and a true patriot. Our loss on earth is Heaven's gain. May God comfort his family, friends and pups.
To Judy -- Robin and I were so very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. Although the years separated us since our time together in Frankfurt, Germany, we always considered you among our close circle of friends and delighted when you were able to visit us in Belgium. We also recall fondly your visit, though brief, to our home in Charlotte, regrettably without Bill that time. We were also connected, of course, by our love for dachshunds. Please know we pray for your comfort and strength now and in the months and years ahead. God bless you.
I met Bill in Germany a couple of times when he traveled from Bremerhaven to the Headquarters, American Forces Network building in Frankfurt for meetings and conferences. My condolences to his family. RIP Bill!
May I offer a salute to a fellow AFN'er.
Bill I thank God for the privilege of serving with you at AFRTS assignments around the world and the time you and Judy spent here in Vidalia before moving to Arizona. Your ability to maintain a sense of humor and your constant professionalism were an inspiration to all of us. I am glad you are no longer in pain. Anne and I are keeping you, Judy and the pups in our prayers,
We love you Bill! Thank you for being there for me and my family while at AFN Bremerhaven. For being a mentor and true friend. Our next radio show is in heaven, start the show prep before I get there. Mike & Sherri Burnette
I never met Bill in person , but I felt we had something in common . That was Bremerhaven , Germany . I was the co administrator for a REUNION in Bremerhaven this past September and we had all hoped that Bill could join us . Many of his friends were there and have spoken highly of his friendship and his dedication to AFN Bremerhaven . Bills life was something that we all can aspire to . MY condolences to his family . Carroll Kelley
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.
So Sad! We all have great memories listening to Bill and AFN Bremerhaven ! Great Memories on the bygone days :-( R.I.P. condolences from Bremerhaven!
Es war Wunderschön dich auf Radiosender AFN Bremerhaven zu hören Ruhe in Frieden grüße aus Nord Deutschland
Bill and Judy and their many \"babies\" have been my friends for so long they are more family than friends. I will always be in awe of Bill's ability to be so knowledgeable about so many subjects. Recently, when I received some very devastating medical news, I needed to talk to someone who would be both sympathetic but also honest about certain feelings and thoughts I was experiencing. The only person I called was Bill. We had a very long and honest discussion that ended with him telling me to never give up and fight for life as he did. Bill, I listened and my friend I am fighting as you advised. I love you Bill. Thank you for being my friend.
To the Boyd family I'm sorry for your loss. I met Bill back in the 70s while stationed at AFN Frankfurt. I visited AFN Bremerhaven and met with Bill and the staff. I remember him as a nice guy.
Bill was my last station manager at AFN Bremerhaven. He was an outstanding broadcaster and leader of soldiers. There isn't enough time to list the thing I learned from him. I've credited Bill many times over that last 25+ years for my ability to communicate clearly and correctly, in the written word. Beyond that, Bill Boyd was a good man! I'm proud to say I knew him and am saddened by his passing.
Bill was my News Director in Seoul and taught me a great deal about radio, television and writing (especially writing). His lessons became part of the foundation that has helped me have a long career in television journalism. Bill was one of the best bosses I ever had. I remember telling him that when we crossed paths in Germany, a few years after our assignments in Korea. He gave me a puzzled look and said \"really?\" I told him it was true. I think he didn't realize how much influence he had on me and the other young soldiers he led. I've always respected Bill and been grateful for what he taught me. I'm sad that he's passed, but glad I had the chance to know him, even if it was only for a short time.
Bill and I served together at AFN Bremerhaven in the last 1970s during his first tour there, and we stayed in touch via the various Facebook pages until recently. He updated me on his health and his trips to the doctor but I just didn't understand how serious his health was. He was a great soldier who was always willing to do anything asked of him. So hard to believe that he is gone. I will continue to pray for his entire family. Jim
Good times, good music - that's the memories when I hear or read about AFN. As a translator working at DEH, I worked in Building 1, Carl Scurz Kaserne, Bremerhaven which also housed AFN Bremerhaven. As a former work neighbor I send my sympathy to his wife and family. May Bill's soul may rest in peace.
I never met Bill in person but listening to him at AFN Bremerhaven brings back good and sad memories. I know how he felt closing down the radio station after all those years. I, as the former manager of the Harbor House Hotel in Bremerhaven, was one of the last persons that had to close down the transient billets and turn out the lights for ever in June 1993- May he rest in peace!
Dear Bill, thanks for your all your broadcastings in Bremerhaven in the 70th AFN was my favourite R.I.P
Bill's classroom was next to the Special Education office at MVHS, my domain. I came to appreciate him as a teacher with high standards for his students. We frequently had chats about students, the changing world, military (my husband also retired military), Maryland and music, music, music. He had a wonderful collection that I could listen to through that 'shared' wall before or after the school day. Bill was a good, ethical man and the world is poorer without him.
This is a beautiful description of the Bill I was privileged to know. His quick wit and sense of humor lives on in my memory, as I still chuckle when I recall some remarks he made. I was and remain impressed of his wide range of interests, and his voracious love of reading. Though I am sad at his passing, I still rejoice in a life well lived. God speed, Bill! Your journey here has ended, but new adventures and peace await!
Bill was my friend and colleague at MVHS from the very start. We made a connection through our love of media and music. We frequently enjoyed discussions of bias in the media. I know his students admired him because I would often hear anecdotes about his classroom management and 'push-up challenges'. He had a dry sense of humor and was always willing to work in collaborative settings. Bill frequently provided valuable insights from his wealth of experience. He and Judy always blessed our Video Club kids by donating to our annual fundraisers. When my wife and I left December 15th for California, Bill was back home and felling better. So, we were shocked to find out on Facebook this morning that he has passed over. Virginia and I want to express our deepest condolences to Judy, his family and all who were blessed by knowing him. We will see you on the other side Bill.
I am going to share what I wrote on my Facebook Wall. I shared similar at the memorial.Today I attended yet another memorial for one of Mountain View High Schools fallen heroes. I have attended (and missed) far too many of these over the years, this one was different though. This was not for a fellow student, but for a former teacher, Mr. Boyd. Many of you may have just shuddered when reading that, I know not everyone was a fan of his. I have had many teachers touch my heart over the years, and he was one of them. I would like to share with you my memories of Mr. Boyd, consider it one last writing assignment. I am writing this on my phone, and it definitely will not contain well formulated paragraphs, so I guess we can call it a Brain Storming activity. When I met Mr. Boyd I was a scared little freshman. I had heard horror stories of him from my big sister. The two of them did not get along. I am thankful I had a different experience. I actually walked into his class late, which if you had Boyd, you knew was not good. The school had listed the incorrect classroom on my schedule, so I walked into David Low's classroom first, filled with music posters on the walls. I wondered to myself how my big sister could not get along with a teacher like this, only for me to spot him and know I was in the wrong classroom. Mr. Boyd gave us weekly current event assignments, I hated them, but I see now how he was trying to help us develop our own opinions on the world. That was how Mr. Boyd was, he saw us all as young ADULTS, he demanded the same respect that he gave us, and held us accountable for our actions the same way we do (or atleast should) be held accountable as adults. I remember reading Romeo and Juliet in his classroom and the class giggling as the nurse reminisced on her late husband, telling Juliet that atleast when she fell she landed on her back and that she will get used to that. He quickly turned our attention back to reading. He had what I like to call a Professor McGonagall look, the ability to silence and command a room in just one look. One day I will learn to master that look. I have 3 very fond memories of Mr. Boyd. The first, is the way he was willing to work with me during lunch as I was struggling to recognize certain parts of sentence structure, I don't even remember which ones anymore. The second, is when I had said I was going to write my book report on Catcher in the Rye and he told me not to because that would be required reading next year, I think that's when he stopped looking at me as Amber Casali 's little sister and started seeing me as myself. The last, and definitely my favorite, was when a football player just really did not want to do work in class that day (it was a half day) and so he challenged him to a push up contest. If the football player won, then we would have a free day, if Mr. Boyd won then we would have a pop quiz. He had this twinkle in his eye when he challenged him, like he knew he was going to win. We didn't think so though, how could this older man beat this young football player at a push up contest? Well he did, not only did he beat him, but he beat him while doing clap push ups, then finished by standing on his head. Mr. Boyd recognized the potential in all of his students, and pushed every one of them to do the very best that they could. Thank you Mr. Boyd. May your memory be eternal.
I enjoyed transferring all of Bill's air checks and commercials - hours of them just a few months ago! He was a great broadcaster and manager. His air checks were an example of excellence.
I had the deepest respect and admiration for this fellow AFNer. I met Bill when I served as News Director in Frankfurt and Bill would always stop by my office to chat on his trips to Headquarters. What a fine gentleman and a true patriot. Our loss on earth is Heaven's gain. May God comfort his family, friends and pups.
To Judy -- Robin and I were so very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. Although the years separated us since our time together in Frankfurt, Germany, we always considered you among our close circle of friends and delighted when you were able to visit us in Belgium. We also recall fondly your visit, though brief, to our home in Charlotte, regrettably without Bill that time. We were also connected, of course, by our love for dachshunds. Please know we pray for your comfort and strength now and in the months and years ahead. God bless you.
I met Bill in Germany a couple of times when he traveled from Bremerhaven to the Headquarters, American Forces Network building in Frankfurt for meetings and conferences. My condolences to his family. RIP Bill!
May I offer a salute to a fellow AFN'er.
Bill I thank God for the privilege of serving with you at AFRTS assignments around the world and the time you and Judy spent here in Vidalia before moving to Arizona. Your ability to maintain a sense of humor and your constant professionalism were an inspiration to all of us. I am glad you are no longer in pain. Anne and I are keeping you, Judy and the pups in our prayers,
We love you Bill! Thank you for being there for me and my family while at AFN Bremerhaven. For being a mentor and true friend. Our next radio show is in heaven, start the show prep before I get there. Mike & Sherri Burnette
I never met Bill in person , but I felt we had something in common . That was Bremerhaven , Germany . I was the co administrator for a REUNION in Bremerhaven this past September and we had all hoped that Bill could join us . Many of his friends were there and have spoken highly of his friendship and his dedication to AFN Bremerhaven . Bills life was something that we all can aspire to . MY condolences to his family . Carroll Kelley
Marana Mortuary & Cemetery
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Marana Mortuary & Cemetery.