Hubert 'Gabby' Emory Boyd Jr.

Hubert E. “Gabby” Boyd, age 88, of Cantonment, FL passed through the gates of heaven on Sunday, July 14, 2013. He was born in Tarrytown, GA on January 26, 1925. Gabby graduated from Winter Haven High School where he was quarterback of the “Blue Devils”. After his military service, he attended Stetson University in Deland, FL where he played college baseball. Gabby was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where he faithfully served the Lord as a Deacon for many years and later as Deacon Emeritus. He had a lifelong love of sports, playing baseball and softball until the age of 80. He umpired for church and city league baseball and softball until the age of 82. His greatest love was the Lord and his wife of 65 years, Lou, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “Paw Paw” gave the greatest hugs and made all who knew him feel special. Gabby enlisted in the US Navy in July 1942, a veteran of WW II; he was assigned to the USS Stockton and was present at the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender in Tokyo Bay in 1945. After serving his country honorably, he started his civilian career in Mobile, AL in the propane gas business, later moving his family to Pensacola, FL in 1953. Gabby was preceded in death by his wife, Lula Grubbs Boyd; his parents, Hubert E. and Hattie Pearl Boyd; a sister, Hattie Merle Delores Boyd and two brothers, Ralph Boyd and William Boyd. He is survived by a sister, Miriam Wanda Kimbrell; his children, Beth Taylor (Jimmy), Patsy Moye, Ronnie Boyd, Cindy Parker (Tim) and Randy Boyd; Grandchildren, Jennifer Benz, Jimmie Salter (Nicole), Scott Traynom, Beth Culbertson White, Ashlee Weber (James), Kyle Parker, Katelyn Boyd and Karla Boyd; great grandchildren, Jackson Benz, Chase White, Brooks Salter, Molly Benz, Everett Salter, William Benz, Aidan Weber, Camryn Traynom, Melinda Lula Salter, Mason Weber and Austin Boyd Salter; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be at 1:00pm, Wednesday, July 17,2013 at Hillcrest Baptist Curch with Rev. Jim Locke officiating. The family will receive friends at 11:30am prior to the service on Wednesday. Inurnment will be in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church Building for Life, 800 E. Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, FL 32514. Faith Chapel North Funeral Home, 1000 Hwy. 29S, Cantonment, FL is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be placed online @ fcfhs.com.

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Hubert 'Gabby' Emory Boyd Jr.

January 26, 1925 - July 14, 2013