Boyd Edward Nixon

Boyd Nixon was born on June 6, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Harry Edward Nixon (known as Nick or Ed) and Nell Emiline Ramsey. His only sibling, Sherry Elaine Nixon Wren, was 4 ½ years younger. The family moved frequently during Boyd’s childhood, settling in various states until Boyd was around 12 years old. He attended Haverford High School in Havertown, PA, where he met his lifelong friend, Paul Watermulder, at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Together, Boyd and Paul shared many adventures, including learning to drive a VW stick shift in the church parking lot and exploring the streets of Philadelphia, contrasting the bustling city with their suburban upbringing.

As Boyd entered his senior year of high school, the family relocated to Stone Mountain, GA, where Boyd was named Star Student at South Gwinnett High School. He went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he became a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and earned his BBA. Boyd cherished his college years, actively participating in Campus Crusade for Christ, InterVarsity, and Young Life. During his freshman year, he made the life-changing decision to follow Christ.

Boyd had an early passion for flying, soloing at just 16 years old. He continued to expand his knowledge, becoming licensed for instrument flying and earning his commercial instructor's license at a young age. Boyd's adventurous spirit led him on a daring journey to South America, where he searched for vintage warplanes. Flying an old Cub airplane over the jungles of São Paulo, Brazil with little more than 5-gallon cans of gasoline, Boyd faced an emergency when he lost navigation due to poor weather and malfunctioning instruments. With no choice but to pray and trust in the Lord, Boyd miraculously landed safely with barely any fuel remaining.

From 1971 to 1979, Boyd worked with Campus Crusade for Christ, focusing on high school students. During this time, he formed a lasting friendship with Ron Cansler, pastor of a church in Lilburn. Boyd and Ron had many adventures with the youth of Ron's church, along with Ron's wife, Donna. Boyd transitioned to a business career from 1979 to 1991, before returning to Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru) in 1991. There, Boyd worked with businessmen, Bible studies, missions, and evangelism, organizing events to train and practice evangelism. From 1994 onward, Boyd made at least 20 trips to Russia, where he visited schools, orphanages, hospitals, and prisons to spread the message of Christ.

Boyd had a special way of making lasting memories with his nephews, Chris and Matt. He took each of them on separate trips to Alaska when they graduated from high school. They spent their time fishing for King Salmon on the Kenai River, Red Salmon on the Russian River, and Halibut out of Homer, AK. One unforgettable experience was watching whales breach from their whale-watching boat. When their campsite was rained out, Boyd found refuge for them to sleep under church pews.

In another adventure, Boyd took both Chris and Matt to Maine and Nova Scotia. His love for meeting people and striking up conversations was evident wherever he went, and he introduced his nephews to some of his dear friends along the way. One such friend was Pastor Steve Nute, a motorcyclist who lived on Moosehead Lake in Maine. The trip also included enjoying the delicious lobster rolls in Bar Harbor, ME—another testament to Boyd’s ability to savor the simple pleasures of life while sharing them with those he loved.

Boyd had a deep passion for event evangelism, dedicating much of his time to sharing the gospel at significant events. Each year, he volunteered at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, arriving early to assist in welcoming and registering foreign leaders—including senators, ambassadors, and senior business figures. During this time, Boyd was always on the lookout for opportunities to share his faith with others.

He also looked forward to the annual Air Show in Oshkosh, where he could merge his love for flying with his commitment to Christ, engaging with fellow aviation enthusiasts while sharing the message of the gospel. Boyd also had a keen interest in investigating his family’s ancestry and history, a hobby that allowed him to connect with his roots and deepen his understanding of his heritage.

Following the passing of his father, Boyd devoted himself wholeheartedly to caring for his mother, who was 80 at the time. For the next 22 years, until her death at 102, Boyd was an exemplary son—respectful, dedicated, and loving. He took her everywhere, ensuring she lived a full and joyful life. Boyd also introduced her to Operation Care Lift, a two-week session held twice a year in Lancaster, PA, where volunteers assembled humanitarian aid for people in Russia, Siberia, Belarus, and Ukraine. Boyd took his mother to these gatherings numerous times and even brought her on eight trips to Russia, where she grew fond of the Russian people.

Boyd’s love and devotion to his mother were evident in the many special experiences they shared. One of the most meaningful was when he took his 90-year-old mother to Israel, accompanied by a wonderful group from Atlanta. During this trip, his mother had the profound experience of being fully baptized in the Jordan River, a moment that Boyd cherished deeply. It was a beautiful expression of both her faith and Boyd’s unwavering care and dedication to ensuring she had such a significant spiritual journey.

Boyd's greatest passion was evangelism, missions, Bible studies, and one on one encounters. He deeply valued the many church families and Bible study and prayer groups that shaped his life. Boyd used the Four Spiritual Laws booklets to guide people to Christ and always kept several in his pockets. His favorite verse was John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Boyd is survived by his sister, Sherry Wren and her husband Billy Wren; his nephews Chris Wren and his wife Laura Lee, along with their daughters Libby and Emmy, and Matt Wren and his wife Melissa, with their daughters Laila and Gabby. He is also remembered by numerous cousins and dear friends from all walks of life. Thank you to all who have reached out to Boyd throughout his years.

Boyd's mother, Nell Ramsey Nixon, grew up in the Tellico Community of Macon County. They made numerous trips visiting family and friends in Franklin. Relatives include the Ramseys', Parrishes', McCoys', & Welches'. They were always welcomed guests of Gloria and Mitchell Owenby.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in his honor, the family kindly requests you consider Give.cru.org then #0668245 for a Neighbors Ministry Accelerator or Christ Church Anglican at www.christchurchatl.org

A Celebration of Life is planned for March 12, 2025 at HM Patterson Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Rd NE Atlanta 30319. The family will greet friends from 10:30 am - 11:00 am. The service will begin at 11:00 am with a reception afterwards. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will be available here: https://vimeo.com/event/4972981 . Graveside burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery at 201 Mt Vernon Hwy Sandy Springs, GA

Obituary is a courtesy of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory