Zackie Jones Boyd Junior's Obituary
Zackie Jones Boyd Junior was born on February 17, 1929 in Natchitoches, Louisiana and began his life as a southern boy. He spent most of his childhood in Texas and always loved to reminisce about riding his pony to Luters School. These memories always brought a smile to his eyes.He enlisted in the Navy in 1945 in San Antonio, Texas. The military sent him half way across the country on the train to San Diego for boot camp. Early in his military career, he was on tour in China. In 1950, he met his future wife Antelma Alonzo at a dance hall in San Diego while on shore duty. Shortly afterward, they married and welcomed their first son, Robert Alan Boyd, in December of 1951 and then their second son, Johnny Lee Boyd, in November of 1952. They lived in Logan Heights surrounded by the support of his wife’s family. In 1954, he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan with his family for about two years. Upon leaving Okinawa, his wife and children returned to California while he was deployed to Korea on the U.S.S. McKeane on a DD784. Following in his father’s footsteps, his son John later joined the Navy and served on the U.S.S. Rowan on a DD782. From 1961-1964 he was stationed again in Japan and he relocated his entire family to the marine corp air station at Iwakuni. He retired from the military in 1969. He had an honorable military career highlighted by his service in three international conflicts; World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. At the end of his working life, was able to retire from 2 careers, one in the military and one from Sears.He is survived by his wife, Antelma, his son Robert Boyd and Robert’s wife Becky Boyd and their daughter Monica Boyd, his son John Boyd and John’s wife Devon Boyd and their two children Matthew Boyd and Carly Boyd-Dovideo. Matthew and his wife Mary Boyd have three children, Zackie’s great-grandchildren, Autumn (4), Samuel (3), and Annabelle (2) Boyd. Carly and her husband Marco Dovideo have two children, Zackie’s great-grandchildren, Lina (6) and Viola (4) Dovideo. Viola was also known as “Pumpkin” to Zackie. As a person, Zackie had a passion for American cars, golf, and a great deal of pride for his military service and family.He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather who was devoted to family. His son Robert particularly remembers his father as a mentor. Early in life his father mentored Robert and John in Boy Scouts where he was a troop leader taking them on camping trips and helping Robert to achieve Eagle Scout and John Life Scout. Later in life, he served as a mentor to both of his sons in the game of golf and used this time to connect with Robert and John. John recalls catfishing with his father in the lakes of San Diego and fondly remembers it as a way of getting outside and in touch with nature. They also took family trips together to Las Vegas and Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. Monica remembers him as a kind, generous and authentic man with a loving heart, great smile and a sense of humor. He loved country music and old western movies. Matthew will remember his grandfather as patient with his grandchildren and enjoying life for what it was. He admired him for the love and respect he showed to his grandmother, Antelma. Carly recalls her weekly dinners with both grandparents during the 10 years she lived in San Diego with her husband Marco. She felt like she was able to hear their stories and looked forward to these weekly rendezvous. All five great-grandchildren loved him and will always remember him.He passed away on August 20, 2017 at 10:45pm at the amazing Bonita Vista Hospice Care Center while holding the hand of his granddaughter Carly. He will forever be loved and missed.
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