Ortie Clayton Boyd

Published 1:02 pm Monday, February 10, 2025

Ortie Clayton Boyd, 91, of Mocksvillle, returned to his heavenly home on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. His devotion to his family and friends, and his firm belief and obedience to God, supported him in his struggle with declining health and ultimately gave him peace. Ortie was born March 29, 1933 in Virginia to Troy Jefferson and Nannie Elizabeth Boyd.
He served in the United States Army from June 18,1953. While in the Army, he served as a Field Wireman until he was honorably discharged in 1961. This experience was paramount in obtaining a wireman position with General Electric in 1956. While at G.E. he also worked as a Lead then finally as an Inspector. He often said that was his favorite position. He retired from G.E after 42 years of service. Before starting at G.E., he drove a tractor trailer for Carnation Milk. In his later years, he often fondly reminisced about driving the truck.
Ortie met the love of his life Patsy Bishop Boyd when his brother started dating, and then married, Patsy’s sister. Ortie and Patsy finally married on Sept. 27, 1955. They were blessed with 3 children, Don who was born in June 1957, Ronald in January 1960 (passed away in Dec. 1960) then Sharon in April 1963. Ortie loved being a dad and would often take them on camping and hiking trips, ice skating, and bicycle rides.
Ortie especially loved spending time outdoors. He loved camping and sharing his knowledge of trees and anything in the woods with anyone who would go with him. While on his hikes, he would find small trees which he turned into walking sticks. This became a passion for him and over the years made/created over 400. Most of these he gave away to family and friends. He loved riding motorcycles and bought his first one at age 16. He owned many Harley-Davidsons over the years and rode until he was 82.
Ortie’s main focus in life was faithfully serving God, and made sure his family did the same. He was a member of North Main Street church of Christ in Mocksville. While living in Virginia, he served as an elder at Westside church of Christ in Salem, VA.
Remaining to cherish Ortie’s memory is: spouse, Patsy Boyd of Mocksville; children, Don Boyd (Vickie) of Little Rock, Ark. and Sharon Tesh (Scott) of Advance; grandchildren, Ashley Boyd of Las Vegas, Nev., Justin Tesh (Whitney) of Mauldin, S.C., Heath Boyd (Amanda)of Little Rock, and Lauren Kellett (Keenan) of Oklahoma City; great-grandchildren, Charlotte Boyd, Baylor Boyd, Rose Tesh, and James R. Tesh; and best friend, Bob Mosley.
Preceding Ortie in death are: son, Ronald Boyd; parents, Troy and Nannie Boyd; brothers Lorne Boyd, William Ray Boyd; sisters Madeline Janney and Joyce Quesenberry.
A funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13 at Lambert Funeral Chapel. The family invites friends to visit with them, at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service.
A cryptside service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke, Va., with military honors.
Flowers can be sent to Lambert Funeral Home in Mocksville, or direct memorial donations in Ortie Boyd’s memory to: North Main Street church of Christ, 605 N. Main St., Mocksville, NC 27028.
Online condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.