Willie Lee "Bill" Boykin

Willie Lee Boykin “Bill” was born February 1, 1928 to Levester and Mable Boykin in Palestine, AR. Both of whom preceded him in death. Bill was a soft spoken, gentle, and kind-hearted person with a smile that would light up a room and warm your heart. The well-dressed gentleman that he was, loved to adorn a fedora whether going out somewhere he needed to be especially dapper or just out for a stroll, he never left home without it. And today is no exception.Upon completing high school, Bill was drafted August 1952 into the army and six years in, he was transferred into the Airforce. He retired after 21 years of active service in 1973. During his tour he actively served his country in two wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring from active duty, he went to work at the Columbus Ohio Civil Service Depot and retired from there after 10 years.Bill was an extensive world traveler. His travels eventually lead him to the Memphis, Tennessee area where he met the love of his life, Eloise Smoot. After much courtship and wooing of her, they were united in holy matrimony. Being not only partners but best friends, they lived a life full of love.On Thursday evening December 13, 2018, Bill was called home. Although he is gone from our presence, he will always be in our hearts and we will miss him dearly. He leaves behind to cherish him in memory, his loving wife, Eloise Boykin and brother-in-law, Willie Smoot (Brenda), two sons, Lavester Boykin, and Edwin Boykin, both of Seaside, CA, step-children, Reginald Russell (Denise) and Zina Jackson (Jacob), and a host of grandsons, granddaughters, great-grands, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Read Obituary