Obituary of Dixon Howell Boyd

Dixon Howell Boyd was born on October 25, 1947, to Edith and Ray Boyd in Pampa, TX. Dixon spent most of his childhood in Lefors, TX. His family then moved to Rayville La, for his father, Ray to pursue work as an agricultural pilot. This led to Ray starting his own business, Boyd’s Flying Service. Dixon graduated from college in Agricultural Business, and then went to work for the flying service, eventually taking over as owner. Flying airplanes was his joy and passion. He worked as an agricultural pilot for 30 years, flying mostly in Richland Parish, and in the off season, he also flew in South Louisiana. Dixon served as a volunteer deputy for the Sheriff’s Department. He would use his plane to help law enforcement search for escaped prisoners, and also helped to search for those involved in plane crashes in the area. Dixon was an avid outdoorsman. His father had taught him gun safety, and how to shoot a gun at a very young age. He loved to hunt and fish, and he enjoyed duck hunting most of all. He was known as a sharpshooter, which earned him the nickname “Dead-eye Dick”. He won many skeet and other shooting events. Dixon was an excellent cook. You could find him making his famous duck gumbo for all his friends at the hunting camp, and he made it nearly every year for his family on Christmas Eve. Dixon was a devoted husband and caregiver for his wife of 37 years, Shelby. They kept a pristine yard and had decorations for every holiday. They both loved hosting family in their home for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. Dixon would usually cook his famous fried white perch, which was enjoyed by all. Dixon spent the last several months enjoying life. He spent time hunting and visiting with his lifelong friend Danny Hardee. He also spent quality time with family, went fishing with his brother-in-law and best friend Doyle Hammons, and his son-in-law Toby Gregory. He leaves behind his loving family and friends to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by his wife Shelby Boyd, and his parents, Edith Schott and Ray Boyd. Dixon is survived by his daughters Alicia Glover and husband, Tim of Monroe, LA, Molly Thomas and husband, James of Lafayette, LA, Melissa Gregory and husband, Toby of Bastrop, La, Mary Reeves of Pangburn, AR, Theresa Ragusa of Pangburn, AR; sons, Mario Ragusa and wife Mishelle of Mer Rouge, LA, and Mark Ragusa of Mandeville, LA; grandchildren, Madison Thomas, Madeline Thomas, Mairin Thomas, Lindsay Long and husband, Carl, Jacob Cheek and wife Brittany, Patience Appleton and husband, Richard, Shelby Sims and wife, Raegan, Mandy Ragusa, and Alayna Gregory; great grandchildren, Spencer Long, Lexi Long, Jaycee Cheek, Clay Cheek, Kate Appleton, Jack Appleton, Maddox Caldwell, Myles Caldwell, Annie Sims, and Lucie Sims; sisters Penny Hammons and husband, Doyle of Rayville, LA, and Jennifer Boyd of Rayville, LA; niece April Williams and husband, Jack of Water Valley, MS; cousin, Lauren Johnston of Bossier City, LA; and his lifelong best friend Danny Hardee of Lake Arthur, LA. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Public visitation will be held at Golden Funeral Home from 5 PM until 7 PM Friday April 5, 2024.