Ulric Gilbert Boyd

After 93 adventuresome years of life in Mississippi and around the world, on November 16, Ulric Gilbert Boyd joined all the saints in heaven worshipping God and celebrating Christ’s victory over sin and death.    

Born in Flora, Mississippi on October 31, 1929, Ulric was the youngest of nine children born to James Edward Boyd and Ozella (Gilbert) Boyd.  A lifelong farmer, Ulric and his family raised livestock and grew corn, sugar cane and other crops on land that is now part of the Natchez Trace Parkway.  After the family sold their property to the government, Ulric worked for the U.S. National Park Service on the Natchez Trace Parkway. 

Ulric was a member of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.  He later served in the Reserves and the National Guard, advancing through the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant.  He served from 1953 to 1960. 

In late 1960, Ulric traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana where he joined the Merchant Marines.  Ulric served in the Merchant Marines from 1961 through 1964 and traveled around the world including voyages to Brazil, Argentina, France, Jordan, India and countries in West Africa. 

Following his return to Mississippi, Ulric worked for the Canton Plating Company for 16 years and the University Medical Center in Jackson for 11 years.  He retired in 1991; over the past 31 years he served as a deacon of the First Presbyterian Church, grew fruit and vegetables, harvested honey from his bees and served the community through the Canton Lions Club.  Ulric offered his heart, hands and his signature smile to anyone he encountered in need of help, encouragement or friendship.

Ulric married Martha Elizabeth (Snyder) Boyd on May 18, 1963 in Canton, MS.  Ulric’s and Martha’s 59 years of marriage created a deep and abiding love for one another and produced three beautiful children:  Dr. Chris Gilbert Boyd, Elizabeth (Boyd) Chenevert and Anna Rose (Boyd) Metcalfe.  After marrying Martha, Ulric left the Merchant Marines and returned to Canton, MS to help raise their children.

Over the past several decades, Ulric’s and Martha’s market garden supplied a variety of fresh vegetables for the family, neighbors and numerous customers in and around Canton.  Ulric was well known for his delicious tomatoes and prided himself on having the first ripe tomatoes of the season every year.  His tasty produce earned him the nickname, “Mater Man”.

Ulric is survived by his wife Martha and their children and grandchildren:  Dr. Chris and Mary Frances Boyd of Brookhaven, MS and their children McLain and Mary Elizabeth; Donald and Elizabeth Chenevert, Jr. of Springfield, MO and their children Donald James Chenevert, III, Sarah Elizabeth Chenevert, Olivia Rose Chenevert and William Ulric Chenevert; and Mac and Anna Rose Metcalfe of Natchez, MS and their daughter Lacey Anne.  Ulric was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Boyd and Ozella (Gilbert) Boyd and his brothers and sisters, Virginia, Maybelle, Charles, Mack, James, Cody, Grace and Joe. 

Ulric’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Canton, MS.  Visitation will take place from 10 am to 11 am in the Fellowship Hall; the funeral service will begin at 11 am.  The graveside service and burial will follow that afternoon at the Concord Presbyterian Cemetery in Pickens, MS.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial contributions for Ulric’s granddaughter serving in Nairobi, Kenya as a Christian missionary teacher.  Please mail a check to NICS/OASIS, Finance Department, 3790 Goodman Road, Southaven, MS 38672.  Please  write the number “004349” in the check memo line. Or send donations to the First Presbyterian Church, 202 East Peace Street, Canton, MS 39046.

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