Billie June (Grimes) Boyd

Billie June Boyd, formerly of St. Simons Island, Ga., died in Duluth, Ga. November 15, 2025 at the age of 83. 

Born July 19, 1942, Billie June grew up in Lyons, Ga. As a teen, Billie June loved Elvis Presley and wore her mother’s home-made dresses (unless she was helping her father on their small farm). Billie June met her future husband, Rev. James Ellis Boyd, after he was invited to preach at Hammond Baptist Church’s homecoming. James asked Billie June to marry him in 1960 after her graduation ceremony at Lyons High School. They honeymooned on St. Simons Island, a place that would be special to the Boyds throughout their lives and later be their home for nearly 20 years after retirement. 

Billie June dedicated more than 40 years of her life to the service of the church alongside her husband, first in the Baptist Church then the United Methodist Church. Her family joked that Billie June was a walking “Rolodex” for her ability to remember the name of virtually every former church member, classmate, and acquaintance. As the family baker, she delighted many potlucks, birthdays, and holidays with her 10 layer chocolate cake. A close third to her love of her family and life in the church was her joy of traveling with James. From walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem to watching the sunrise over Waikiki from atop Diamond Head, the Boyds enjoyed some of their happiest times cruising and flying around the globe. 

Billie June leaves behind her son and daughter-in-law, James Richard and Tammy Holland Boyd of Dacula, Ga. and grandchildren; Terah Boyd and Jason Bright of Atlanta, Whitney Boyd of Lilburn, Ga. Richard Dustin Boyd of Lilburn, Ga., and Caroline Boyd and Jack Starke of Roswell, Ga.; as well as her great grandson, Lennox Sherwood Bright of Atlanta. She also leaves her sister and brother-in-law Rita and Brad Merck of Vidalia, Ga., as well as dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews across the South. 

In death she is reunited with her husband of more than 60 years, Rev. James Ellis Boyd, as well as her parents James Curtis and Mary Garrett Grimes, and her brother and sister-in-law, James Curtis Jr. and Betty Maddox Grimes.   

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home in Vidalia.
A graveside service for Billie June will be held at Hardens Chapel United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday November 19, 2025.

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