Bobby Lee Boykin, 73, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Friday, December 24, 2004, at the Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Funeral services will be 11:30 A.M., Monday, December 27, 2004, at the Ocilla Baptist Church with Rev. Gerald Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in the Brushy Creek Cemetery in Irwin County. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Sunday, at the Paulk Funeral Home in Ocilla.
A man known for giving to others, Mr. Boykin was born September 4, 1931, to the late William Ausbon and Essie Martin Boykin and lived all of his life in Irwin County, Georgia. He was a graduate of Ocilla High School in 1949, ABAC and the University of Georgia in 1953 with a B. S. Degree in Agriculture. Mr. Boykin retired after 40 years as Vocational Agriculture Instructor for the Irwin County School System but also taught school in Tifton, Fort Valley and Byron. He operated the Irwin County Canning Plant for more than 40 years. Mr. Boykin was the advisor for the Young Farmers Organization in Irwin County, where he was recognized with several awards including State Advisor of the Year. He was a member of the Ocilla Baptist Church, the Steadfast Seekers Sunday School Class, a 50-year Mason, former member and officer in the Ocilla Rotary Club and the Irwin County Jaycees. He was a member of the Retired Georgia Educators Association and Ben Hill-Irwin Retired Teachers Association.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Boykin is survived by his wife of 50 years: Thelma Ruth Harper Boykin, Ocilla; son and daughter-in-law: Robert “Bob” and Regina Boykin, Ocilla; daughter, Kathy Ruth Boykin, Douglas, GA; daughter and son-in-law: Dana and Bruce Willis, Ocilla; eight grandchildren: Leigh Luke, Philip Luke, Jared Luke, Lindy Luke, Lakin Boykin, Bryson Boykin, Anna Willis and Jamie Willis; and stepmother: Lilla Boykin, Ocilla.
Those desiring to send memorials in lieu of flowers may send them to Ocilla Baptist Church, the American Cancer Society or favorite charity.