Craddock Boyd Iii

WILLIAM CRADDOCK BOYD III

William Craddock Boyd, III passed away peacefully at his home January 6, 2024 at the age of 80. He was born on October 3, 1943 to the late William Craddock Boyd, Jr. and Virginia Burris Boyd Bonner. Craddock is preceded in death by his sister, Monty Boyd Hatcher and brother-in-law, Ronny Hatcher, niece, Emily Swanner, along with his only son, Bill Boyd, who died tragically just 4 months earlier.

He is survived by his grandsons, Shay (Katie) Boyd and JD Boyd; granddaughters, Tristen Boyd and MaKinzie Harper; sisters, Becky Boyd and Tee (Terre) Pittman; great-granddaughter Sophie Boyd; niece, Jenny (Blake) Carroll; nephews Forrest (Lisa) Hatcher, Key (Camille) Pittman, Coby (Nicole) Pittman, Camp (Rebecca) Pittman; great-nieces, Mary Emmie Carroll and Sadie Rene Pittman; great-nephew, Thomas Pittman.

Craddock was a lifelong resident of Columbus, MS. He was raised in the family home of Cradland in Southern Lowndes County. He began his elementary school education at New Hope School. However, upon entering the second grade, he contracted polio, ”before the sugar cubes”, as he often described it. This began a life confined to hospitals and a wheel chair. But to those who knew him, he never considered himself “handicapped”. He graduated from Lee High School, attended East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University. He became a draftsman and went to work for Ceco Building Systems where he stayed for 27 years…leaving only because of declining health issues.

Craddock developed a love for music at an early age, teaching himself how to play the guitar. He later joined several bands with local musicians from the surrounding area….some of whom still play today. He also had a deep love for the outdoors. He designed and led instructions on how to build “Colonel’s Corner”, a hunting camp built on the Tombigbee River slough. His devoted hunting buddies (Ronny Hatcher, Charlie Dale and Ray McIntyre) would take him to a deer stand, get him settled in, then leave him there for several hours in the hopes of killing a deer. No one can actually confirm how many (if any) deer were actually harvested but Craddock kept at it….as long as he could continue to sit. Colonel’s Corner is still enjoyed by family members.

Craddock was an exemplary role model for all those that knew him. He possessed the kindest spirit and heart along with an unbelievable positive outlook on life. One to be admired and never to be forgotten.

“Here Comes The Sun, Here Comes The Sun, And I Say Alright.”

George Harrison – The Beatles 1969

A song of optimism and renewal, hope and new beginnings. Remember that there is light, even after the darkest of times. This…was…Craddock Boyd.

Craddock will be laid to rest at Murrahs Chapel Cemetery during a private graveside service January 21, 2024.

Memorials may be made to the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society, 50 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.