William "Bill" Harold Boykin's Obituary
William Harold Boykin (Bill) died peacefully at home in Memphis on March 7, 2026. A native of Winter Haven, FL, he moved to Memphis in 2000 with his wife Anne Patten Boykin. Bill graduated from Winter Haven High School, earned a BA at Florida State University and Masters in Education at Rollins College. He was a teacher and school administrator in Polk County, Florida, serving at Dennison and Westwood Jr. Highs, Auburndale Senior High, and as Deputy Superintendent for Polk County Schools. He served on the board of the Polk County Historical Society, as a volunteer firefighter, and vestry member, Senior Warden, and Lay Reader at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Winter Haven.
Following his retirement and move to Memphis, he spent several years as Building and Grounds Chairman at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, overseeing the physical needs of the historic church.
Bill will be remembered for his high moral standards, his calm leadership, and his loyalty to family and friends. He was lovingly called Mr. Clean because of his perfectionism at home and at the churches and school plants he maintained. He supported conservation, wildlife, veterans, Democratic candidates, the Red Cross and local shelters and food banks. He enjoyed furniture refinishing, yardwork, and working out with his Geezer Club friends at the Y.
Many thanks to the wonderful folks at Hospice of Hope and Unity Health Care who cared for Bill through his long illness.
Bill is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Anne, daughter Merrill Hacker (Brian) of Matthews, NC; sons Will (Martha) of Midlothian, TX; Carter of Memphis, and granddaughters Gloria, Reiny, and Ashlyn Boykin and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of his dear life will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral, 700 Poplar, on Saturday, March 28 at 1pm--reception following. There will also be a Memorial Service in Winter Haven later this spring. Memorials may be sent to St. Mary’s Cathedral, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 201 Kipling Lane, Winter Haven, FL 33884, Hospice of Hope, 1125 Schilling Blvd. E, Suite 101, Collierville, TN 38017, the Democratic Party, or charity of your choice.
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