Howard Boyd Skelton

H. Boyd Skelton, age 88, of Atlanta, died October 12 from the effects of a stroke. Born on July 11, 1924 in Hartwell, GA, he was the son of Col. James H. and Bess B. Skelton. Prior to his WWII service, he attended school at Druid Hills, Bass Junior High, and Boys' High (Class of '42). He continued his education at Georgia Tech, where he joined the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. After the War, he remained active in ATO at the University of Georgia, where he graduated in 1948. During wartime, Boyd served in the 100th Infantry Division in France and Germany and was decorated with various combat medals, including the Combat Infantry Badge and two Presidential Unit Citations. Following WWII, he served with the U.S. Military Government of Germany in Stuttgart. Boyd enjoyed taking family and friends to Biche, France and other places he had been in combat, and reliving wartime memories. Boyd was affiliated with Mannington Mills the last 28 years of his working career in the floor covering business, where he served as a District Sales Manager responsible for a southeastern U.S. territory. In 1949, Boyd married the beautiful and lovable Loraine Hopkins (recently deceased). He and Loraine enjoyed numerous world-wide travels; however, his primary interests were centered on family, church affiliation, and his many golfing buddies. Their children are Bess Loraine Skelton (Clay) and Robert Boyd Skelton (Denise). His grandchildren are Elizabeth, Clayton and AnnaLee Edwards of Atlanta. His other grandchildren are Park, Connor and Caroline Skelton of Alpharetta. He is also survived by his brother, James H. Skelton (Virginia), of Atlanta. Boyd was an active member of Wieuca Road Baptist Church for most of his adult life, where he served several terms as deacon, and was active on many church committees. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Wieuca Road Baptist Church, 3626 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, or to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 1687 Tullie Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, or to Buckhead Christian Ministry, 2847 Piedmont Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. A memorial service will be held at Wieuca Road Baptist Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 19th. Those attending are invited to stay for lunch in the Heritage Room immediately after the service.