Obituary of Boyd C. Johnson

Boyd C. Johnson, 83, of 4590 Ashville Road, Ashville, died Thursday, February 10, 2011 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 7, 1927 in Jamestown, a son of the late Earl and Eva Johnson and attended Lakewood High School. To serve his country he enlisted in the US Navy in March 1945 during WW II to October 1947. He reenlisted in 1950 to serve in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. Boyd served aboard the USS New Jersey and the USS Wiseman. Boyd worked for Jamestown Plastics for many years, retiring as plant manager in 1989. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion, as well as the LLAMA Club. Boyd was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed being with his family. He touched the lives of many people and was a very caring and compassionate man who brought smiles and laughter to family, friends and strangers alike. He enjoyed remodeling homes and was willing to lend a hand to others. Boyd grew up on Chautauqua Lake and loved to fish for muskellunge and bass. He became a talented wood carver, loved to golf and enjoyed tending to his garden. Boyd, with his late wife Thelma, traveled throughout the country and was especially fond of the western states and mountains. He was an avid Cleveland Browns and Southwestern Trojan football fan. He is survived by three children: Karen (Terry) Tane of Jamestown, Sheryl Thayer of Ashville and Patrick (Janice) Johnson of Lakewood; his companion and friend, Sharon Murray of Ashville; eight grandchildren: Terry (Cheryl) Tane II, Kristina (Jason) Jones, Tammy Thayer, John (Kristin) Thayer, Danielle (Jim) Bergman, Boyd (Nicole) Johnson II, Robert (Jennifer) Johnson and Emma (Tony) Piazza; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Loretta Sandbloom of Jamestown. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Rudd Johnson whom he married June 2, 1954 and who died April 23, 2003; a son Michael C. Johnson in 1975; and a sister, Beverly Tyler in 2003. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 15th in the Lind Funeral Home, with the Rev. Daniel G. McBride officiating. Friends will be received for two hours prior to the service, from 5 to 7 p.m., in the funeral home Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; or to the Leukemia Society of WNY, 4053 Maple Rd., Suite 110, Amherst, NY 14226.