Boyd Calvin Spry, 86, of Manchester, TN. passed away Monday afternoon, October 21, 2019. He was born on September 15, 1933 to Ulysses and Lela Espy Spry and grew up in a loving family with brothers, Ellis, Alden, Andy and Johnnie; two sisters, Laura and Patsy. He was preceded in death by all of them.
Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Thursday, October 24, 2019 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Benny Benjamin officiating. Interment will follow with full military honors at Midway cemetery. Pallbearers include Doyle Duke, Brad Sain, Justin Randolph, Phillip Prater, Jr., Tyler Spry and Jonathan Burton. Visitation with the family will be 4 pm until 8 pm Wednesday, October 23, 2019. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, the jail ministry at Central Church of Christ or the Midway Cemetery Fund.
He was married to Patricia Prater Spry who preceded him in death in 2012 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Robin Haley Spry, September 11, 1986. He is survived by his sons, Jeff (Tammy) Spry of Hixson, TN. and David Spry of McMinnville; grandchildren, Amanda (Jonathan) Burton of Canton, GA., Tyler (Jennifer) Spry of Chattanooga and Lexie Spry of McMinnville; great grandson, Turner Burton of Canton, GA.
Above all his worldly accomplishments (and there were many), he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and led many people to the Lord all over the world. He founded the jail ministry at Central Church of Christ, where he was a member. While residing at McArthur Manor in Manchester, he attended the worship service hosted by the New Union Church of Christ.
After an exemplary military career in the United States Air Force where he achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, he retired in 1975 with 21 ½ years of service. He received many military awards and decorations including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Outstanding Airman Ribbon and Antarctica Service Ribbon. He then later went to work at Alvin C. York Veteran’s hospital in Murfreesboro where he again retired after 20 years of service.
He will always be remembered by those who knew him as a kind and generous soul who looked out for the interest of others above his own. This was exhibited most by his loving devotion to his wife, but it also was true in all his relationships. He was a student of the Bible, but even more, he lived out his faith in every way.
Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences for his family, please visit www.woodburyfuneralhome.net