Eddie Martin Boyd

Eddie Martin Boyd, born on April 1, 1937, peacefully passed away on September 6, 2024, at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, at the age of 87. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and esteemed civil engineer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service.

Eddie graduated from Louisville High School in 1955 and later pursued his passion for engineering at Mississippi State University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering. His career included notable roles, beginning with service in the Army as a first lieutenant in the Army Military Police and continuing with distinguished positions at the Mississippi State Highway Department along with becoming the first full-time county engineer for Rankin County in 1987, where he made significant contributions to local infrastructure.

Upon his retirement from the Mississippi Highway Department, Eddie joined Michael Baker Engineering, where he played a pivotal role in the reconstruction efforts of the Biloxi Bay Bridge after Hurricane Katrina, the construction of the Highway 82 bypass around Starkville and "The Stack" in Jackson. Eddie then joined Volkert Engineering where he fully retired from his engineering career.

Beyond his professional achievements, Eddie was a lifelong and passionate fan of Mississippi State University, sharing his love for the school with his children and grandchildren, especially during baseball games. He devoted many years to coaching girls' softball in Brandon, leaving a lasting impact on many young athletes. With his deep love for sports, Eddie also served as a football official for high school, community college, and Division III games.

Eddie was a member of the Louisville Methodist Church, where his faith was deeply cherished.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry Boyd and Rebecca Reeves Boyd, sister Francis Boyd Childress, brothers Lamar Boyd and Henry Boyd.

He married Betty Almeria Buckley and together they had 3 daughters. He is survived by his three daughters, Paula Cornelison (Butch), Felicia Rutland (James) and Dawn Quayle (Chris), his granddaughters Christy Phillips (Lane), Brittany Quayle Bowen (Preston), Brooke Truska (TJ), and Jamie Rutland, and great grandchildren, William Page, Christopher Page, Timothy Page and Ellie Truska.

The family extends special gratitude to Eloise Nelson, Earnestine Melvin, Ashley Montgomery, the staff at Accentcare Home Health, and countless others who provided loving care during his final years.

A funeral service to celebrate Eddie's life will be held at Ott and Lee in Brandon on Monday, September 9th, at 11:00 am, with visitation starting at 10:00 am. He will be laid to rest at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mississippi State University Scholarship Fund.

Eddie Martin Boyd will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his profession, and his community. He leaves behind cherished memories and a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.