Richard Ervin Boykin Sr.

Richard Ervin Boykin Sr. was born on November 29, 1950 in Columbia, South Carolina to his late mother, Jessie Lee Boykin and father, Mose Kennedy. He departed this earthly journey on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at National Healthcare Center in Columbia, South Carolina after a brief illness.

Richard was educated in the Richland County School System. He graduated from Hopkins High School in 1968. In 1969 he enlisted in the United States Marines Corps, and fought in the Vietnam War. He served as a Lance Corporal until his honorable discharge in January 1975. After his discharge from the Marines, he later served as a Sergeant in the South Carolina Army National Guard, and received an honorable discharge in September 1995, after 20 years of service. While serving as a guardsman, he earned a trade as a welder, and was employed with Lockjoint (welding company in Columbia) for several years. He ventured out and became a self-employed painter, where he remained until retirement in 2012.

Richard loved his family. He doted on and was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Zion Chapel #2 Baptist Church. He was very friendly, talkative, and out-going. He was admired for being a sharp dresser; and displaying vast knowledge on almost any subject.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter-Shambra Denise Solomon; a sister-Dori Jean Boykin Randolph; a brother-Marvin Tyrone Boykin Sr.

Left to cherish the precious memories of his life are his son- Richard Ervin Boykin Jr. (his mother-Linda Gresham) of Columbia, SC: five grandchildren- Erica Solomon of Atlanta, GA, Charod (Marsha) Boykin of Ft. Bliss Texas; Tyler Lamar of Norfolk, Virginia; Kira Boykin and Cameron Boykin of Columbia, SC; a great-granddaughter-Sariah Scott Boykin of Columbia, SC; a brother, Charlie Boykin of Hopkins, SC; six sisters- Margaret Baker, Julia Mae Kennedy of Columbia, SC; Sandra B Bladen of Dallas, Texas; Terry Boykin of Columbia, SC; Carolyn Lloyd of Gadsden, SC; Stephanie B. Small of Columbia, SC; one sister-in-law -Sandra Boykin of Columbia, SC: two aunts and three uncles: a host of nieces and nephews-grand and great-grand: many other relatives and friends. Richard presence will be greatly missed. 

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