One week after his daughter was baptized, Willie Boyd Jr., pastor of Greenwood CME Church in Memphis, TN, died after his vehicle struck a tree.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Boyd was pronounced dead at the scene.
“SCSO patrol and traffic investigators have responded to a single vehicle crash at 7 pm on N. Reed Hooker Rd. near Monterey Rd. in Eads where a vehicle struck a tree. The driver was pronounced deceased on the scene by Shelby County Fire Dept. This accident is under investigation,” SCSO tweeted.
The 44-year-old pastor, who would have turned 45 on Monday (Oct.10), leaves behind his wife, Ebony Bradley-Boyd, and three children. His wife shared on Facebook, “One thing I know! My husband said it best! God Will NEVER Leave me alone!!! And I know in my heart where my husband’s soul rest!!! My husband was SAVED! And that’s all that matters. He is with his Lord and Savior! I love you forever Willie Boyd! Please say a special prayer for my children. I see your calls! I see your text! Please be patient with me.”
“We miss him like a son or a brother. That’s how people thought about him. A son or a brother. He’s irreplaceable,” said Bishop Emeritus Henry Williamson Sr. of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS), the seminary Boyd attended, posted a message on Facebook from their president Dr. Jody Hill, which read, “Dear MTS Family, I was so sorry to hear about the tragic automobile accident over the weekend that took the life of the Rev. Willie Boyd, Jr., pastor of Greenwood CME Church. On behalf of our entire seminary community, I offer profound condolences for his wife Ebony, their three young children, his entire precious family, and the Greenwood CME Church family. The death of this devoted pastor and gifted leader is indeed an enormous loss to our local community and the good work of the broader Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Boyd was a former student of both MTS and our sister institution Bethel University. We as a seminary family indeed grieve with his loved ones and offer our fervent prayers and support. With deep sadness and unending hope.”
Information about memorial services for the beloved pastor are posted here.
