Sam Boyd, age 86, one of the best known personalities in Baylor’s athletic history, passed away Friday, June 5, 2001. Boyd was a student at Baylor from 1935 through 1939. He participated in football and was an all-conference end in both 1937 and 1938. He was also selected as an all-America end in 1938.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boyd was noted for his pass catching ability. “Bullet Bill” Patterson, Baylor’s quarterback, and Boyd were one of duos who brought passing to the Southwest Conference. Passing became a major offensive weapon for all teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boyd and Billy Patterson were each selected for the 1939 East-West Shrine game, a major post-season game of that era. After his career at Baylor, Boyd played professional football for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1939 and 1940.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then came back to Baylor in 1949 and served on the football coaching staff for ten years, including a stint as head coach from 1956 through 1958. His most notable victory, the 13-7 Sugar Bowl victory over top-ranked Tennessee, is still considered one of Baylor’s greatest football victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After his coaching career, Boyd returned to his hometown of Cleburne to be a construction manager for DSA Construction Co. Upon his retirement, he and his wife Betty moved to Granbury with a home on the golf course so that he could play often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boyd was inducted into Baylor’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1962.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is survived by his wife, Betty; four children; two stepchildren; and two grandchildren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He died Friday at his home in Granbury. Graveside services will be Monday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Compiled from News Releases Sam Boyd, age 86, one of the best known personalities in Baylor’s athletic history, passed away Friday, June 5, 2001. Boyd was a student at Baylor from 1935 through 1939. He participated in football and was … Continue reading