Boyd Baxter, SR

Boyd Thomas Baxter, born on March 9, 1932, in Paulding County, to Teman & Emma Brooks Baxter, lifelong resident of Paulding County. Raised and spent most of his life on the same family farm land in Hiram. He professed his faith in Jesus Christ as a youth and was a member of Rockmart Methodist Church. Graduated from Hiram High School in 1949. He served in the Naval Reserve for 8 years, 1950 – 1958.

After high school he went to work for General Glass Company in Atlanta until the late 50s. He then went to work for PPG Industries as a superintendent of major projects and oversaw the glass installation of many large buildings and landmarks in Atlanta.

In 1978 he and a colleague from PPG Industries, Joe Douglas, formed Dallas Glass Company. They did many major projects in Georgia and Florida before dissolving the partnership in 1985. He continued in business for himself for many years and spent his last working years working for one of his best friends who owned Aiken Grading Company.

He married Clara Downing in 1996 and they have enjoyed many happy years in retirement. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. He loved his family, time spent with many close friends, and parties where often roasted whole hogs for large groups. He had many stories to tell. He was at Super Bowl III when Joe Namath beat the Colts and was an avid NASCAR fan attending every race at Daytona from 1953-1993.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Downing Baxter; son, Boyd Thomas (Tom) Baxter, and wife Melody Wehunt Baxter; stepdaughters, Kelli Clark and Cindy Downing; stepsons, Bruce Downing, grandsons, Grant & Brett Baxter; many other step grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Sara & Harold Ruff, David &Susan Baxter, Rita & Al Butterworth, Steve Baxter and John Baxter.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2015, at 1 PM, from Clark Funeral Home, with Reverend Brad Benson officiating. Interment will follow in Paulding Memorial Gardens. David Baxter, Harold Ruff, Luke Harris, Anthony Baxter, Bob Dailey, Philip Wehunt, Bruce Downing, and Paul Alsobrook will serve as pallbearers. Billy Austin, Jimmy Upchurch, Buddy Ragsdale, Grant Baxter, and Brett Baxter will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, August 20, 2015, from 11 AM until the time of service.

Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.samclarkfuneralhome.com)