Boyd Carrol Henry

Boyd Carrol Henry passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 81. Born on November 18, 1943, in DeKalb, Texas, Boyd was raised in the small community where he was born, and where his parents owned a country store and pine tree farm. By the age of three, he was helping in the store and learned to count change the old-fashioned way-skills that would reflect his sharp mind and dependable character throughout his life.

Boyd was passionate about sports, relishing both participating and watching. An avid athlete in his youth, he played football and baseball at DeKalb High School. His love for sports continued into college, where he played in intramural leagues, and later as an enthusiastic Church League softball and basketball player. A lifelong sports fan, Boyd especially loved the Texas Rangers and enjoyed planning spring training trips to Florida and Arizona with his beloved wife, Carolyn.

Boyd valued academic achievement and had a lifelong love of learning. He earned his undergraduate degree from Arlington State College and his master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He extended his early experience in retail by serving as a dedicated manager at M.E. Moses for 22 years. Following that career, his passion for learning led him to obtain his teaching certificate. He found joy in substitute teaching for the Arlington and Kennedale school districts, where his patience and humor were appreciated by students and staff alike. He also worked part-time in customer service for the Texas Rangers, combining his love of people and sports.

In addition to sports, Boyd had a love for cars, particularly sports cars; appreciated a wide variety of musical genres; and enjoyed spending time outdoors watching birds and wildlife, making almost daily visits to enjoy the ducks at the lake near their home. He and Carolyn treasured their travels together, especially visits to the mountains and ocean.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Boyd served during the Vietnam conflict and carried that sense of duty and quiet strength throughout his life. His faith was deeply rooted-having grown up in Hubbard Missionary Baptist Church, founded by his grandfather-and remained a guiding force. He and Carolyn were longtime members of Lake Arlington Baptist Church before joining First Baptist Church Arlington in 2014. For many years, Boyd taught first graders in Sunday School, a reflection of his love for children and servant heart.

Those who knew Boyd well will remember him as a quiet, hardworking man with a dry sense of humor and a rare gift of discernment. He enjoyed the simple things: a good hamburger or ham sandwich, a game of cards on Thanksgiving, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune with Carolyn, or listening to country music at Johnny High's Music Revue. Holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas were especially meaningful to Boyd, filled with family, laughter, football, and tradition.

Boyd and Carolyn were married on August 21, 1971, after meeting in college through Boyd's nephew. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Carolyn will deeply miss his steady presence, quiet encouragement, and, especially, his smile.

Boyd is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carolyn Henry; sister-in-law Frances Raney and her husband Terry; brothers-in-law Jim Stutts and Derral Tucker; five nephews, Mike Henley, Rick Tucker, Randy Tucker, Ronny Raney, and Randall Raney; and numerous grandnephews and grandnieces.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 2, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Wade Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will take place Tuesday, June 3, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel at First Baptist Church, Arlington , followed by private graveside honors at 1:00 p.m. at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

World Mission Offering - First Baptist Church Arlington

or

Life Enrichment Program - James L. West Center for Dementia Care