William Boykin, Jr.

William T. "Tommy" Boykin Jr., passed away on July 23, 2021. He was born February 24, 1957 to William T. Boykin, Sr. and Sulura {Marrett} Boykin-Mabry.

Tommy attended Kent City Schools and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1975. He also attended Ferris State University, where he played football. Tommy coached for Kent Peewee Football. He enjoyed nurturing and shaping his nephews in their football skills and took it very seriously, ruling with an iron hand. He worked as a welder for Chrysler for many years until his retirement in 2009.

Tommy was loved by all in the Kent community. "Kool Mo Dee," "Tbone," "TDog," "Bumble" and "Chocolate Thunder" were some of the affectionate names he was called by some of the young folks. Many of us have spent time with T and have been on the receiving end of his sharp tongue
...BUT...in the next few minutes, all would be well....we knew that was his love language sometimes. Tommy accepted everyone for who they were, and others accepted him the same.

Tommy was respected by the young men in our community. He worked hard and gave much. Always sharp to the nines, one of the young men said when they saw him in biker shorts and tank top, they thought, now "only Tommy" could get away with that. Whether he wore a jogging suit with
matching hat and tennis shoes, blue jean outfit with the sharp creased jeans, or a white tux in his sister's wedding, Tommy always looked like he just stepped out of GQ magazine.

Tommy loved his family and close friends, and spending time with them. He loved playing cards with family, and especially with his close neighbors almost every day, and the special gatherings for his birthday at his house. These simple things made his heart happy.

Tommy was preceded in death by Parents: William Boykin & Sulura {Marrett} Boykin-Mabry: Grandparents: Claude & Jessie Boykin & Harbon and Lydia Merrett; Sisters: Adrienne Coleman & Pamela Milton.

Tommy leaves to cherish his memory is Moma Emma of Kent, OH; Brothers Wendell (Zara) of Maricopa, AZ; Brian Boykin of Kent, OH; Sisters: Barbra Jean, of Fla.; Fanette Merrett & Sheilah Boykin of Kent, OH. A host of nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews who were the heartbeat
of his life.

All are welcome to visit at Newcomer Funeral Home, 131 N. Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44305 on Sunday, August 1 from 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 1:00 p.m. with Minister Melanie McNeil officiating. To leave a message for Tommy's family, please scroll below.

*FAMILY REQUEST ...PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASKS*