James Darnell Boyd, 81, died June 4, 2021 at his home in Lampasas.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. June 8 at Sneed Funeral Chapel, with interment to follow at San Saba City Cemetery.
Visitation will be an hour prior to the services, from 10-11 a.m.
Darnell was born in Canyon, Texas on Nov. 11, 1939 to Raymond and Charlsey Boyd. He grew up in Odessa and later moved with his family to Snyder, where he graduated from high school.
In 1954, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 15.
Darnell married Mary Stephens on Dec. 23, 1960 in Snyder. They were married for over 60 years.
Darnell was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. He attended and served as the minister for many different congregations, including those in Ira, Stephenville, Iraan and Tahoka, Texas; in Fargo, North Dakota; and Borger, Lometa and Bend, Texas. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Bend Church of Christ.
Darnell entered ministry at age 20 and retired from preaching in 2020 after 60 years of service. He also was a licensed insurance agent for 10 years.
Darnell was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Ray Boyd; his parents and his stepmother, Melissa Boyd; one granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Golden; and one great-grandson, Lyric James Golden.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Boyd of Lampasas; three daughters, Lisa Deann Shults and husband Brian of Liberty Hill, Denise Hance and husband Kelly of Amarillo, and Denita Bynum and husband Stephen of Lampasas; a sister, Genell Maxwell and husband Richard of Borger; five grandchildren, Casey Meharg and wife Marlene of Gainesville, Jeremy Golden and wife Megan of Borger, Morgan Jones and husband Travis of Leander, Laura Fisher and husband Michael of Abilene, and J.D. Bynum of Iwakuni, Japan; three step-grandchildren, Crystal Pesko and husband Travis of Temple, Devyon Wenino of San Diego, and Kambry Hance of Amarillo; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Memorial donations may be made to Type One Area Diabetic Support (TOADS), 7202 Jameson St., Amarillo, TX 79106 or New Century Hospice, 451 East Central Texas Expressway Suite C, Harker Heights, TX 76548.
