Gary Ray Boyd of Pea Ridge, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on June 28, 2025 at Willard Hospice Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Born to Garvin and Viola Roles Boyd on August 1, 1946, in Avoca, Arkansas. Nicknamed "Goat" by his father, at birth, Gary was a devoted son, husband, father, brother, papa, uncle, and friend who lived a life of Christian faith, service, and love. A graduate of Pea Ridge High School in 1967, Gary played numerous sports and still holds records in numerous track and field events. Gary married the love of his life, Dell Murray, on April 28, 1970. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, church, and community. He was a member of Calvary Freewill Baptist Church of Springdale, AR, where his relationship with Jesus Christ guided his actions and inspired those around him. Gary proudly served his country, entering the United States Army in 1967, with his first duty assignment after training being South Vietnam. He answered the call again during Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990 and 1991. Gary concluded his distinguished Army career upon military retirement in 1992, having served as a proud member of the Arkansas Army National Guard. After returning home from Vietnam in 1970, Gary started work with PreForm Line Products in Rogers, AR, where everyone knew him as "Goat". After 42 years with PLP, Gary retired to his favorite job of simply being Dad, Papa, and Uncle Gary.

Gary was a passionate supporter of youth sports, where he coached hundreds of Northwest Arkansas kids for over 30 years through the Rogers Activity Center. Gary firmly believed in the power of sports to shape lives, often proclaiming, "If you keep a kid interested in sports, you will keep them off the streets." His impact extended to his own family, where he coached his daughter, nieces, nephews, and countless others, leaving a legacy of mentorship and encouragement to all who just called him Coach. In his free time, Gary enjoyed playing ball, coaching, fishing, camping, water sports, spending time with his family, telling stories, and cheering on his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks.

Gary is survived by his bride of 55 years, Dell; daughter Marcie Boyd Puck (Jimmy) of Pea Ridge, AR; grandchildren, Anthony Bleything of Edmond, OK; Raegan Bleything of Alva, OK; Kara Karstedt (Kyle) of Centerton, AR; Natalie Mills (Garrett) of Bentonville, AR and Wyatt Puck of Bowling Green, KY. Gary also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews throughout the hills of the Ozarks, all of whom loved and adored him greatly. Gary also leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Visitation is 2-4 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge. Funeral will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 7, 2025 at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, 1000 N Gutensohn Rd, Springdale, Ar 72762. Burial with military honors will be in Pea Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Willard Hospice Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas