Robert Boyd

Robert G. Boyd, 77, of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2014. Robert was a beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a devout member of Signal Mountain Church of Christ. He was a well-known owner of Spartan Barbershop of Red Bank, Tenn., barbering for over 50 years. Those that knew him admired his love of people, his warm personality, and his willingness to help others in any way he could. He was an avid lover of animals and farming, regularly going down to his barn to take care of his various livestock from alpacas to fainting goats. But he didn't just love nature; he was also a recorded composer of gospel music, and a prolific woodworker. He was a leader and a teacher at several area congregations, serving for a number of years as a deacon and then as elder at Mountain Creek Church of Christ. He enjoyed vigorous conversations about the Bible, and many respected his vast knowledge of the scriptures. He was also involved in the foster care program, as well as the Church of Christ India Mission. Robert had battled Sclerosing Mesenteritis, an extremely rare and poorly understood disease, for most of his life. His condition baffled doctors for many years, and then, through extensive research on the Internet, Robert diagnosed his own disease a few years ago. Doctors at Vanderbilt University Hospital later confirmed this diagnosis, which was already in its advanced stages. He contacted numerous people throughout the world while searching for the limited treatment options, and also in the hope that by sharing his experiences he could help others who suffered from this condition. He also wished that his personal health struggles would help doctors make sense of his rare illness, and help find a cure. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Layle Hitchcock Boyd; and sister, Joyce Boyd. Survivors include his wife, Sarah Boyd, of Chattanooga; sons: Stanley (Cheri) Boyd, of St. Johns, Fla., Roger Boyd of Red Bank and Miles (Lori) Boyd, of Short Hills, N.J.; grandchildren, Courtney Boyd, Dylan Boyd and Sam Boyd; sisters: Carolyn (Jim) Powers, of Bonecave, Tenn., Lemma (Lloyd) Grissom, of Tullahoma, Tenn., and Arlene (Leon) Ware, of Bonecave, Tenn.; brother, Kenneth (Pat) Boyd, of Red Bank; number of nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the church community and many friends for their help and support. We would like to offer a special thanks to Renee Nolan for her assistance in his care during this last, difficult year. She was a gift from God and an invaluable, compassionate caregiver. The family cannot thank her enough for everything she did for him. At Roberts request, in lieu of flowers, he hoped to raise awareness of the Church of Christ India Mission program, and would welcome donations in his memory to this cause at P.O Box 1448 Hamilton, AL 35570. The family will receive friends and share memories at the visitation 5-8 p.m. today, June 10, at Lane Funeral Home on Ashland Terrace. There will be another brief visitation at 11 a.m. prior to the service at Signal Mountain Church of Christ. The funeral will be held noon Wednesday, June 11, at Signal Mountain Church of Christ. Burial will be at Long Cemetery, Rock Island in Van Buren County, which is near Spencer, Tenn. on TN Highway 30 West. Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences. Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace, 877-3524.