Thomas C. Boykin

Thomas C. Boykin was born in Dayton, Ohio to Monroe and Christine Boykin.  Affectionately known to his siblings as “T.C.”, he had a great love for his family, and after the passing of his mother he grew up at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home in Xenia, Ohio. 

He attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Xenia where he had an illustrious sports career in basketball and track and field.  He attended the University of Dayton for two years, where he continued his outstanding athletics, and was awarded numerous trophies and other awards as an outstanding athlete under the coaching of Tom Blackburn. 

Tom served his country for twenty years as part of the security police squadron in the United States Air Force.  He retired from the Air Force in 1980 and returned to Dayton to be near family and continued his security career as a guard at Defense Electronics Supply Center, retiring after twenty years.

In 1961 he married the love of his life, Sylvia, and together they had four children and shared the joys and the challenges of life together.  Together they found and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and were active in several churches throughout the years, working diligently to teach and guide younger Christians into maturity.  Along with teaching, he also sang bass in many church choirs, most recently at Crestview Baptist Church.

He was a positive influence wherever he lived, being a father figure, positive male role model and mentor to young men in the community.  On several occasions, we answered a knock on the door to hear a little boy ask if Mr. B could come out and play.  His was a life well-lived, and his legacy one filled with love.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and 18 of his siblings.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sylvia Boykin, brothers David (Patricia) and Sheppard Boykin, sons Thomas (Angela) and Roddrick (Patricia) Boykin, daughters Lynnita (Christopher) Davis, and Sheila (Anthony) Goodwin, six grandchildren who disagree on who is the favorite, and one great-grandchild.

There will be a private interment for immediate family, and a memorial service held at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas C. Boykin, please visit our floral store.