Thomas Boyd Jr. was born on December 1, 1949 in Selma, Alabama. He was the second son of eleven children born to his parents Thomas Boyd Sr. and Estella Boyd. Both of his parents and one brother, Leonardo “Vince” Boyd, preceded him in death.

Growing up, Thomas affectionately called “Junie” by his family and “Tom” by his friends, was known to chase the farm animals while he should be helping the family do chores.

Thomas moved with his family 1961 to Cleveland, Ohio. Thomas met Geri Harris and had his first-born son, Thomas Boyd III in 1980. Tommy brought joy to his father’s life the moment he laid eyes on him.

Thomas graduated from East High School in 1968 and proceeded to work diligently to provide for his family by being employed with the Illuminating Company for 39 years. Even in retirement, he remained close to so many of his friends he met there, along the way.

In 1983, Karen Pennington and her two sons Randolph and Maurice walked into Tom’s life, and from there, he found love in all three. Tom and Karen married on November 19th, 1988. September 22, 1993, their daughter Ashley-Estella was born to their union.

In life, you could always find Thomas doting on his children and grandchildren, offering loving words of encouragement to his many nieces and nephews, or checking in on his siblings and friends. Anytime there was a dance floor, you could be sure to find him in the middle of it dancing the night away. He loved to have a good time, and he was never shy about showing his picturesque smile. He was a family man who loved to cook for anybody and everybody in his life.

After a few short bouts with illness, Thomas departed this life early Thursday morning December 7, 2023. Thomas leaves behind to cherish his memories his loving wife, Karen; three sons: Thomas Boyd III, Randolph Pennington (Melissa) of Los Angeles, California, and Maurice Pennington; one daughter Ashley-Estella Boyd; four granddaughters, Miya Boyd, Serenity Boyd, Isabella Bair-Pennington, and Aurora Pennington of California; two grandsons, Hudson Pennington and Jaxson Pennington both of California; five brothers: James Boyd, Sherman Boyd (Tanya), Benjamin Boyd, Allen Boyd Sr (Cristal) and William Boyd Sr.; Four sisters: Doris Harden of Flint, MI, Maryland Boyd, Debbie Dent of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Mary Whitted (Terrance Sr.); one brother in law: Michael Morgan; Two sisters in law: Connie Morgan and Deborah Sandoval; one aunt: Marie Burke of Inkster, MI; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members and friends.