Joe Hildon Boyd

Miramar, Florida

Joe Hildon Boyd, 81, passed away Friday April 20, 2018 at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida from complication following pacemaker implant surgery.

Mr. Boyd was born June 15, 1936 in Brazil, Indiana, son of Joe Elias Boyd and Bess (Carter) Boyd. He graduated from Xavier University and received an MA degree. He pursued a career principally as drama director, and although briefly active in New York - long enough to be listed in Who’s Who in Drama - he focused as an educator in secondary schools, most recently at Hialeah/Miami Lakes High SHS. He was also a gifted artist and taught many classes in art both at high school and for adults in evening school venues. He was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Design in 1985. Active in community theatre as well, the mayor of Hialeah, Florida proclaimed June 4, 1992 as “Joe H. Boyd Day” there. 

He married Barbara Laxen of Terre Haute, Indiana on March 30, 1957 in Terre Haute but they divorced in 1973. For the last few decades their association has been amicable, and Mr. Boyd spoke fondly of her to anyone who would listen. Barbara and Joe made their home in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

He is survived by his former wife Barbara and their two daughters: Rebecca (Boyd) Hendrickson and Deborah (Boyd) Weber, both of Cincinnati; three grandchildren by the former; Rexford Allen, 32; Meagan Lynn, 30; and Katelin Joy, 26; and three grandchildren by the latter: Matthew Philip, 30; Amanda Ruth, 28; and Emily Ann, 25. Rex, Matthew and Amanda are now married. 

In Indiana he is survived by his first cousin Wilma (McGill) Ratcliff and her daughter Deanna (Ratcliff) Sheese, both of Brazil, Indiana; and by Owen Duane Ratcliff of Plainfield, Indiana.

In Miramar, Florida he is survived by his long-term companion of 38 years, Gregory Charlton. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and most cousins, including Sandra (Ratcliff) Rector Hensley and his older brother, Maurice Lee Boyd, who died in childhood.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at Croys Creek Cemetery in Brazil. Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with Joe’s local arrangements.