Perry Curtis Boykin, Sr.

Mr. Perry Curtis Boykin, Sr., age 85, a resident of Auburndale, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 21, 2025, at home surrounded by family. Mr. Boykin was born on September 20, 1939, in Huntsville, Alabama, to Luke Hudson and Sarah (Couch) Boykin. He grew up in Scottsboro, Alabama, with his three brothers, where his love for sports, adventure, and faith was first nurtured. Perry was a very talented athlete and football player from the time he was just a young boy. His dedication and skill earned him a football scholarship to Auburn University, where he was a proud member of the 1957 National Championship team. Though he later graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in marketing, his time at Auburn remained an important part of his life. In addition to his athletic achievements, Perry was also recognized for his charm and good looks, having been voted "Most Handsome" in high school. Beyond his professional success, Perry had a deep love for music. He played multiple instruments, sang in the choir from a young age, and continued to share his voice and passion for music with family and friends throughout his life. One of his favorite daily traditions was singing a variety of songs out on the lanai with his amazing morning caregiver, friend, and partner in crime, Nancy Farinas, as he looked for boats on the lake. Faith was the foundation of Perry’s life. He was a strong Christian who loved the Lord with all his heart and looked forward to the day he would "go home" to be with his Savior. He was a devoted and very active member of every church he was part of, serving in leadership roles and heading up committees for BBQs, service projects, Vacation Bible School, and more. His love for fellowship and service was evident in everything he did. Perry was a devoted husband, married to the love of his life, Cecile, for 58 wonderful years. Together, they were fortunate enough to travel the world, creating cherished memories along the way. Their family moved often while Perry was working for IBM, as he was promoted and took on new opportunities. Through all of life’s transitions, Perry remained easygoing, always making the best of each new adventure. Perry was also an excellent father—generous, kind, and always present for his family. He had a sweet and gentle spirit, bringing warmth and comfort to those around him. While he was easygoing, he also loved a good joke or prank and had a wonderful sense of humor that kept family and friends laughing. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking, fishing, playing tennis, and flying radio-controlled planes. But more than anything, he loved spending time with family and friends. He was an amazing storyteller, with a long list of tales that never failed to entertain. Perry had a deep affection and fascination for planes, boats, motorcycles, and anything that "went." Planes were his absolute favorite, and he shared a special bond with his son-in-law, Anthony, over their mutual love of aviation. Perry loved everyone—well, most everyone—though he could never quite get on board with Ken Jennings as the host of Jeopardy! (for reasons he never fully explained). Perry was the person that anyone could call on in a time of need—whether for a helping hand or simply a listening ear. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Luke Hudson Boykin, Jr., and Bert Boykin. He is survived by his loving and devoted family: his wife, Cecile Boykin of Auburndale, Florida; son, Perry "Curt" Curtis (Heather) Boykin, Jr., of Pfafftown, North Carolina; daughter, Sarah “Sally” (Anthony) Estamponi of Auburndale, Florida; brother, Paul (Diane) Boykin of Watkinsville, Georgia; five granddaughters – Ansley, Abigail, Ava, Skye, and Kenzie; three great-granddaughters – Reming, Kimber, and Vaeda; and dearly loved nieces and nephews. A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, March 28th, from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Kersey Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, March 29th, at First Missionary Baptist Church, 406 Main Street, Auburndale. In lieu of flowers the family request's donations to either, First Missionary Baptist Church, 406 Main Street, Auburndale, Florida 33823 OR Shriners Children's Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29605.