January 31, 2018 George Richard Boyd of Urbana, Illinois passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital.

George was born at home on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1934 to George Archibald and Mary Elizabeth Boyd, both lifelong residents of Champaign-Urbana. His father was an auto mechanic and later service manager and general manager of the local Hudson agency. His mother played the piano for the silent motion pictures in Champaign prior to their marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and his brother.

George married Nancy Marlene Fiscus of Urbana, October 20, 1956. They had two children, Cheryl Elizabeth (Smith) and George Richard ("Rick"), Jr. Cheryl Smith, husband Ken and children live in the Oklahoma City area. Rick and wife Jodi live in the Jackson, Mississippi area.

George and Nancy were married for more than sixty years before she died in June, 2017. In addition to his children, he also leaves grandson Kyle and his wife Holly and their four children Hudson, Lincoln, Afton, and Luke; granddaughter Megan; and grandson Andrew and his wife Carley. He will be dearly missed by his family.

George was a graduate of University High School (class of 52). During his years at Uni High he developed a love for automobiles which led him to design and build a racing car, work as a mechanic and service manager, take a car to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and eventually retire from Snap-On Tools after twenty years as a dealer in Champaign. His tool truck, a converted GMC motorhome, was well-recognized around town.

George was drafted into active duty from the Illinois National Guard in November, 1956 and served fourteen months in Korea. He also worked at the Illinois State Water Survey for a number of years.

George was particularly interested in World War II, getting to know a number of the survivors of the USS Indianapolis, and he also frequently gave support for Native American causes. He was also known for his love of animals, both domestic and wild.

Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, February 4, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm with funeral services Monday at 10:00 am at Renner-Wikoff Chapel. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.