Roll Call Tribute

Earl Bentley Boykin, Sr. 

December 9, 1932 - August 29, 2025 

Earl B. Boykin, Sr., was welcomed into Heaven, joining his mother, daddy and brothers, on Friday, August 29, 2025.

Earl was born in Jewett, Texas to Elmer and Norma (Whitworth) Boykin December 9, 1932. His family moved to Pasadena, where he graduated from Pasadena High in 1951. Earl attended Texas A&M College where he played trombone for the Fighting Texas Aggie Band. After graduation in 1955, he served in the US Army with Battery C, 2nd Field Artillery Battalion following the Korean War. After serving 2 years active duty, he became an Army reservist and began a career working in heavy machinery.

While working in Colorado Springs on what soon would be the Air Force Academy, he met the love of his life, Joyce Carver. Their love grew to include 4 children, and many moving adventures while working in his field. The family returned to Texas, landing in Crosby in 1979. It was there that they joined First Baptist Church, where they remain members today. Earl has served in many areas including usher and Sunday School Superintendent.

His career in heavy equipment broadened in Texas to include presidential leadership positions with the National Association of Purchasing Managers of Houston and Southwest Coastal Area Purchasing Association.

Earl was a committed community volunteer, serving on the Crosby ISD school board for over 25 years. He served as a member and president during his tenure and was proud to see the district grow by 3 new schools and several additions. He was proud to claim the same CHS Cougar football season tickets for 23 years.

Always seeking to help others, he co-founded the Crosby EMS ambulance service and was a volunteer driver for 7 years. His civic passion for voting led him to serve as an election judge for Precinct 97 over 25 years. He also obtained distinction as a 32nd degree Master Mason with a 56 year membership in the Pasadena Masonic Lodge #1155. At the time of his death, he was serving on the Newport M.U.D. and a member at the American Legion Post 658. Earl was honored for his years of civic duty in 2003 when the Newport bridge at South Diamondhead and Gum Gully were dedicated and named Boykin Bridge. This came after being recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Crosby Chamber of Commerce.

Above all, he will be remembered for consistent encouragement, support and love of the people in his life. He had an ability to motivate others and make them feel seen, heard and valued.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Joyce; sister Kaye (David) Bergeron; son Earl Bentley (Alissa) Boykin Jr. of Wyoming, daughters, Tami Boykin Stump of Crosby, Cindy Boykin (Glenn) Stout of Alaska, Tracey Boykin Phillips of North Carolina, and Bonnie (Curt) Burroughs of Illinois. Earl dearly loved his 17 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren with #37 due next year. He also leaves behind many treasured nieces and nephews and sister-in-law, Linda. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James, Randall and sister-in-law, Connie.

Earl was laid to rest at Sardis Cemetery in Jewett, Texas on Friday, September 5th, 2025. A memorial service will be planned at FBC Crosby for a later date. The Boykin family would like to thank Omnix Home Care and Choice Hospice for their special care and attention.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant “ Matthew 25:21”