RANDALL BOYD

REPUBLIC-Randall John Randy Boyd, 56, Republic, died Wednesday evening, Aug. 5, 2015, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, following a long illness. Following his wishes, he will be cremated and a service will follow at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Meadors Funeral Home.

Condolences and pictures may be shared online at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.

Survivors include his long time girlfriend, Gail Highfill; three sons, John Boyd and wife Nicole, Republic, Josh Boyd and wife Anna, Virginia and Bradley Gillen and wife Ashley, Joplin; two daughters, Jessica Allen and husband Andrew, Springfield and Abby Highfill, Willard; 12 grandchildren; three brothers, Robert Boyd and wife Linda, Carthage, Rusty Boyd and wife Corena, Liberal and Ronnie Boyd and wife Linda, Nevada; two sisters, Edie Bryant and husband Terry and Donna Churchman and husband Jim, all of Republic and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Mr. Boyd was born Oct. 26, 1958, in Kansas City, Mo., to John Elton and Irene Ann (Forste) Boyd. He had worked as a furniture manufacturer for O'Sullivan Industries for 26 years until he moved back to Republic to help care for his parents. He loved spending time with family and enjoyed being outdoors, mostly spending his time hunting or fishing. He was a skilled woodworker and built various items, including furniture and cabinets. He had a true passion for food, including biscuits and gravy, Mexican cuisine, his son-in-law Andrew's grilled steak and he, himself, made some of the best fried potatoes.