Shelby P. Boyd

September 27, 1921 - June 11, 2015

Shelby P. Boyd, age 93, of Johnson City and Gatlinburg, TN, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN following a brief illness. He was a native of East Tennessee and a son of the late Isaac Boyd and Retta Elliott Cade. With an entrepreneur spirit and determination, he began a lifetime of careers in various fields. At the young age of 10, he helped support his family by selling newspapers and day old cakes and breads. After the marriage to his late wife Mildred Allen Boyd, he worked at the Shipyards in Baltimore, Maryland during World War II. Shelby and his wife returned to East Tennessee after the war where he opened several small businesses, these included a sundries and sandwich shop in Mountain City, TN, East Main Service Station in Johnson City, Major Sand Company in Carter County, Major Improvement Company, Johnson City, The American Historical Wax Museum, Gatlinburg, TN, Hall of Presidents Wax Museum, Chattanooga, TN, The Cyclorama, Wax Museum based on the "Trail of Tears" of the Cherokee Nation, Cherokee, North Carolina, Championship Raceway, Gatlinburg, TN, and the Old Timer Restaurant and Gift Shop, Gatlinburg, TN. In the mid 1960's, Shelby and his wife Mildred opened the Glass Barn in the Boone/Blowing Rock, North Carolina Area. On July 4, 1971 Shelby designed and opened Hillbilly Golf in Gatlinburg, TN, which quickly became one of the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Through the years he stayed active with property development and other business ventures. Through his knowledge and creativity, Shelby assisted and encouraged others to succeed in their lives. In addition to his parents, Shelby is preceded in death by his wife of 75 years, Mildred Allen Boyd; and a beloved friend, Jessie Vineyard of Gatlinburg. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Rande Hackler and husband Lewis, N. Tazewell, VA, Nancy Howard and husband Jim, Johnson City; grandchildren, Paige Watson and husband Tony, Tazewell, VA, Jordan Harris, N. Hollywood, CA, Austin Harris, Savannah, GA, Jamie Meade and husband David, Bristol, TN, Kelly Green, Pensacola, FL, Joseph Howard, U.S Air Force, South Korea; great grandchildren, Luke Watson, Shelby Elizabeth Watson, and Bailey Meade. His two brothers, Thaddeus Berry, Albuquerque, NM and Denne Cade, Johnson City. Others include his special pup, Sealy and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 15, 2015 in the East Parlor of Appalachian Funeral Home from 5:30 until 7:00 P.M. A private graveside service for the immediate family will be conducted at Monte Vista Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please help in continuing Shelby's tradition of giving and generosity by "PAYING IT FORWARD." Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.appfh.net. Appalachian Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City is serving the Boyd family. (423) 928-6111 Order Flowers Interment DetailsMonte Vista Memorial Park