Robert Lincoln Boyd, affectionately known as “Bob”, was born to loving parents Reverend Cauthion Tilmon Boyd and Celia (McCullough) Boyd on July 1, 1927, in Woodleaf, North Carolina.
Bob was the sixth of seven children born. Having accepted Christ at an early age, Bob was baptized at the Carrboro First Church of God by his Father who served as Senior Pastor. Young Bobby, a PK (Pastor’s Kid) sang in the choir and even participated in numerous youth church quartet competitions.
A gifted student and sportsman, Bob graduated high school as Valedictorian at age fifteen. Young Robert received numerous college offers, one of them from Historically Black Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania. With a burning desire to move as far away from the segregated South as possible and with an offer of a full academic scholarship, Robert chose to attend Lincoln University. While attending, Robert became the star running back of the Lincoln Lions football team and was an early contender for the NFL’s Baltimore Colts. A leg injury dashed his NFL dream, however, he did not wallow in self-pity. Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Physical Education. After graduating, Robert served his country proudly in the United States Army.
Bob first laid eyes on Miss Gloria Whitfield while attending a college basketball game. Gloria, though smitten with Robert, chose to complete her undergrad work and upon graduation moved to New York City to begin her grad work at Columbia University.
The lovebirds kept in touch and upon her return to North Carolina, they reunited. Always the visionary and possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, Bob was now in business for himself, having built the first car wash service station in Chapel Hill. Bob and Gloria married on June 4th, 1960, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and immediately headed west to Los Angeles, California, where they settled down to start a family. God blessed their union with a daughter, Shaunda Camille, and a son, Kevin Gregory.
Bob joined Avnet Inc., a leading distributor of electronic components. He was the first African-American Outside Aviation Sales Engineer at the company. One of his most notable accounts was the aerospace giant, Hughes Aircraft Corporation. Throughout his career with Avnet, Bob remained a distinguished sales executive frequently earning “Salesman of the Year” commendations. It was also during this time that he became a real estate investor and developer.
A humble and gracious man with a warm spirit, Bob was a sensitive soul.
Passionate about life and always willing to lend a hand, a word of wisdom or encouragement, Bob was never ‘too busy’ to help those in need. Loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, especially young people, many of whom affectionately referred to him as “uncle Bob” because to many, he was more like a “father figure” than a friend. Bob was a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and a lifetime member of the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, Inc. (100BMLA).
With all his “passions,” hobbies, honors, and interests, Bob’s number one priority remained his family. He was a devoted husband to Gloria for over 57 years. The two enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, attending Jazz Festivals from New Orleans-to- Monterrey. Bob and Gloria helped integrate the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo, California, as two of its earliest members. The Boyd’s Annual Super Bowl parties held at their Channel Islands vacation home were legendary!
For more than twenty years, Bob hosted weekly pinochle game nights for the fellas at his home and though players changed throughout the years, the spirit of camaraderie always remained, as did his love for sports. In the ‘80s, he was a Los Angeles Raiders season ticket holder and an avid Los Angeles Lakers basketball fan.
Bob departed this early life on Sunday, October 29th, 2017, at Cedar Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loving family and friends. His parents and five siblings preceded him in death: Cauthion Tilmon Jr., Levolia, Willie, Rovelton, and Samuel. Bob leaves to cherish in his memory, his loving wife, Gloria; devoted children Shaunda and Kevin; sister Mildred Stanley of Clinton, Maryland; nieces and nephews, Bonita Adeeb (Hassan), Cheron Moore (Bernard), Lynn Jefferson, Tony Staley (Tijuana), Barbara Collings (George), Carl Boyd (Sharonda), Gerald “Freddie” Boyd (Sheree), several grandnieces and nephews, and a host of close friends.
Bob Boyd lived life to the fullest. It is certain that he will live on in heaven with that same passion and love.
