Funeral services for Michael Wayne Boyd (Mike), 67, will be held at 6:00 p.m., Sunday July 21, 2024, at St. James’ Episcopal Church in Greenville, Mississippi, of which church he was a communicant. Immediately followed by a walk over to Greenville Cemetery for a sunset burial. Boone Funeral Home of Greenville is in charge of the arrangements. Mike passed peacefully in his sleep on July 17, 2024.
Mike was born on April 10, 1957, in Greenwood, Mississippi, but spent most of his life in Greenville, Mississippi. For 43 years, Mike owned Boyd Law Office in Greenville, or as Mike would say, “attorney in charge of operations, donuts, cupcakes, bankruptcy, fried chicken, canning chutney and preserves, divorce and pecan pies. Former parking lot sweeper, head chicken wing technician, french fry shoveler at Kentucky Fried Chicken.”
He shared his extraordinary intellect and finely-honed legal knowledge to give many people hope through legal protection and guided hundreds of Mississippians through the bankruptcy process. Many, many former clients (and some former adversaries) became lifelong friends. He was a very gifted lawyer with determination and grit, and his word was his bond. His life truly was a life of service to others.
If there is a definition of a true Delta gentleman, it can be found under the entry Michael Wayne Boyd. Mike’s love for his hometown of Greenville and the Delta as a whole was perhaps only surpassed by his love for others. He had an uncanny way of connecting with people wherever he encountered them. His intelligence, friendly spirit, quick wit, and genuine smile allowed him to find so many friends who are now family. Mike formed countless unforgettable relationships that lasted a lifetime.
While Mr. Boyd was every bit a gentleman, he was also a firm believer in letting the good times roll! He was an amazing host to an endless number of dinners, celebrations, parties, and downright Delta blowouts! Mike’s idea of a good time could be an impromptu dinner around his kitchen table with family and a few close friends — or as large as his infamous Eve of the Eve Christmas parties.
Mike was an ‘architect at heart’ and loved restoring older homes. He restored 31 homes and was engaged in a current project with his spouse, Don Blades. Mike loved interior decorating, and his and Don’s home reflects his artistic vision and his appreciation for uniquely-Delta pieces. While the Boyd home has always been a showstopper full of lovely collections and furnishings, most importantly, it is a place where love has been given and received over many, many years.
While Mike and Don continued to make their residence even more lovely, it can in no way compare to the beauty of Mike’s eternal home. His unexpected departure leaves such a feeling of emptiness inside, but the knowledge of our shared faith lets us know that this parting is only temporary. Mike just got a head start on the biggest party of them all . . .
Michael Wayne Boyd is survived by his spouse, Don Blades, and his ‘adopted’ daughter and niece, Laura Boyd Stell. He is also survived by his goddaughter and trusted office manager, Laura Egger Buchberger, ‘his other mother’ Corinne ‘Coco’ Buehler, and a host of friends whom he lovely referred to as ‘his family.’ He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lois Coghlan Boyd, sister, Judith Ann Boyd, and brother, James Ray Boyd, Jr.
Friends and family will be received at his home on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.Expressions of sympathy and personal remembrances can be sent to the home or St. James Episcopal Church, 1026 South Washington Avenue, Greenville, Mississippi.
Services will be officiated by The Very Reverend Brandt Dick.
John Daniels, Gary Hines, Sophie Hines, Kenny Hitt, James Schoffner, and Geremy Stevens will serve as Pallbearers. Stu White, Jameson White, Connor White, and Chris Pope will be honorary pallbearers.