James Darnell Boyd

James Darnell Boyd, 81, passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2021 at his home in Lampasas, Texas. Darnell was surrounded by his beloved wife, Mary, his three daughters, his sister and brother-in-law. He was born in Canyon, Texas on November 11th, 1939 to Raymond and Charlsey Boyd.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at Sneed Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at San Saba City Cemetery. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services on Tuesday from 10 to 11am. 

Darnell grew up in Odessa, Texas and later moved with his family to Snyder, Texas 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 December 23, 1960 in Snyder, Texas.  They were devoted to each other for over 60 years.  Darnell was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ and attended and served as the minister for many different congregations, including, Ira, Texas; Stephenville, Texas; Iraan, Texas; Tahoka, Texas; Fargo, North Dakota; Borger, Texas; Lometa, Texas 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 was also a licensed insurance agent for 10 years.

Darnell was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Charlsey Boyd, his brother, Billy Ray Boyd, his step-mother, 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.  He is survived by a sister, Genell Maxwell and husband Richard of Borger.  He is survived by 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.  He is survived by  three step-grandchildren, Crystal Pesko and husband Travis of Temple, Devyon Wenino of San Diego, Kambry Hance of Amarillo and 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Type One Area Diabetic Support(TOADS), 7202 Jameson Str., Amarillo, Texas 79106 or New Century Hospice, 451 East Central Texas Expressway Suite C, Harker Heights, Texas 76548.