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Robert L. Boyd, Sr.


Sunrise: September 13, 1945

Sunset: October 6, 2024

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, Robert L. Boyd Sr. was quietly removed from his earthly vessel and went to his heavenly home to be with the Lord and family members that have gone before him. Robert, affectionately known as “Robert Lee” “Lee” or “Rob,” was born in North Carolina on September 13, 1945, to the late Bessie and Joseph Boyd.

Growing up as the oldest of six children, he spent his early years going to school and working on the family farm in North Carolina until his family moved to Camden, New Jersey.  After graduating from Camden High School, Rob attended Morgan State University, where he began to gain attention for his track and field athletic abilities.  He then transferred to Norfolk State University (NSU) on an athletic scholarship for track and field. He became known as the legendary “Flash” among his IOTA fraternity brothers, teammates, and friends. Rob won numerous medals at the annual Penn Relays track and field competition. It was at NSU where he met his wife of 55 years, Elnora Avery Boyd. Rob and Elnora were married at First Baptist Church Lambert’s Point.

Rob was a trailblazer and legend during his time. He made history at NSU as a Charter member of the Delta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. He was devoted to the organization and contributed heavily to the success of ongoing efforts to grow IOTA’s name throughout Virginia. He was known for sharing his great wisdom and demonstrating a tremendous work ethic. During his career, he was a national sales manager for several large companies in the Pet industry and later started his own company known as Rob Boyd and Associates. As a sales manager and owner, Rob traveled all over the world. His favorite pastimes include attending the annual Penn Relays with friends and creating lifetime memories for his grandchildren during their annual summer road trips “down south” (North Carolina) to enjoy time with family members. Rob had a loving soul, fidelity spirit, and inspirational interpersonal qualities. Many enjoyed being around him, but he most enjoyed being around those who call him “PopPop.”

He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Elnora Avery Boyd, children: Nicole “Nikki” Martin, Robert L. Boyd Jr. (April), Erica Boyd (Lamont); four grandchildren: Nakhi Martin, Airiana Dickerson, Siani Boyd, Lanora Davenport; sisters Betty Boyd (Mario), Joetta Armstrong (Freddie), Stephanie Hicks (Alexander), Nichele McClurkin (Tony); brothers Wilfred Boyd (Carlene), Jessie Boyd (Roxanne) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing: Thursday, October 17, 2024 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, Virginia Celebration of Life: Friday, October 18, 2024 10:00 AM First Baptist Church Lamberts Point 1268 West 38th Street Norfolk, Virginia Laid to Rest: Woodlawn Memorial Gardens 6309 Virginia Beach Boulevard Norfolk, Virginia

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Condolences(12)

  1. reply
    Evelena Carter says

    Offering condolences to the entire Boyd family🙏 Remember love and memories never die! May God continue to bless you and give you perfect peace.

  2. reply
    Harold L Hagans, Jr says

    Our deepest and sincere condolences to you and family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
    Harold & Teresa Hagans

  3. reply
    Kisha Mann says

    Dear Rob and Family,

    Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. May you and your family continue to hold dear the precious memories you have of your time with your father until you see him again. May God bless you all.

  4. reply
    Victor Fitzgerald says

    Sincere condolences to the Boyd family. God bless & keep you all. So sorry to learn of Rob’s passing.
    Victor & Joyce Fitzgerald

  5. reply
    Fred, Millicent, and Kimberly Sawyer says

    Rob Boyd was a very dear friend. He was always there when I needed help. Having had relationships with high-level individuals, Rob introduced me to a world-class physician who helped me improve my quality of life. He also introduced me to a world-class attorney who went toe-to-toe with multi-million-dollar corporations, like Coca-Cola, that attempted to steal my Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) inventions. I enjoyed every minute of my time with Rob. I remember the wonderful times for many years that my daughter, Kimberly, and I spent with Rob at the Penn Relays. Millicent, Kimberly, and I share our heart-felt condolences to Elnora, Robert Jr., Erica, and the rest of the family.

  6. reply
    Andre Toussaint says

    May you rest in peace my friend and big brother. We will celebrate your life but every life you touched will never be the same.

  7. reply
    Brian Byrd says

    My condolences to the family of Big Bro Rob Boyd. My God you all peace at this difficult time.

  8. reply
    Lovetta Perry says

    My condolences to Elnora and the Boyd family. Rob will be remembered by the many people he touched and his laughter.
    Sincerely
    Lovetta

  9. reply
    Linda Pearl Roberts says

    My condolences to the Boyd family. May God take care of you during this difficult time. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Sincerely, Rev. Linda Roberts

  10. reply
    Rev. Linda Pearl Roberts says

    My condolences to the Boyd family. May God take care of you during this difficult time. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Sincerely, Rev. Linda Roberts

    • reply
      LISA WATTS / GEORGE GIBBS says

      I am the Daughter of George Gibbs. We traveled from SanFrancisco to Attend Rob’s Services. Rob was my Godfather someone that I always remember being apart of my Parents Lives. My Father and Rob ran track together at Norfolk State. My Father Will Miss His Long Time Friend 💔

  11. reply
    LISA WATTS / GEORGE GIBBS says

    I am the Daughter of George Gibbs. We traveled from SanFrancisco to Attend Rob’s Services. Rob was my Godfather someone that I always remember being apart of my Parents Lives. My Father and Rob ran track together at Norfolk State. My Father Will Miss His Long Time Friend 💔

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