Shaw's Funeral Home does not charge to view live streaming of the services.  Please do not click other website links to view.

FACE COVERINGS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO ENTER THE FUNERAL HOME

Funeral service will be 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Mt. Olive AME Church, 1001 South 7th Street.  Burial will follow in Oleander Memorial Gardens, 306 Bradley Drive.  Visitation is from 5:30-8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

On May 8, 1927, Isaac and Alice Burkett Boykin were blessed and awarded by God their sixth child and fifth son. Being so honored they named this child, Robert Daniel but called him "Bob" or "Bobby".  This added to his mother's list of nicknames for her sons-Brother, Buddy, Billy, Boobie and now Bobby.  Being raised in a Christian home, and having a father that was a minister, Bob learned early in life about the necessity of a close walk with the Lord.  He attended with his family and united later in his youth with the Saint Luke African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where he gave of his talents and finances regularly to enhance the Kingdom of God.  With his parents and especially his mother, being strict disciplinarians, he attended the public schools of New Hanover County and graduated from Williston Industrial High School with the Class 1945.  It was there in the vocational education department that he learned the trade of brick masonry.  This talent can be witnessed through the United States and especially throughout the City of Wilmington, NC.  Some of his work included the masonry on Shiloh Baptist Church, Price Cathedral AME Zion Church, St. James Episcopal Church and even the block work on his own home.  He even constructed the present bulletin board that stands at the front of Mt. Olive AME Church.  He served in the United States Army Air Corp and was honorably discharged November 20, 1946.  After his discharge he resumed his career as a brick mason and worked with his brother, Bill wherever they were needed.  Realizing a need for a partner in life, he was united in Holy Matrimony to Helena Hall on June 25, 1949.  To this union four children were born, Ronald A., Robert D., Jr., William O. and Helena D.  This union lasted 72 years and the only separation was caused when God called his beloved Helena to her eternal rest on July 23, 2021.  Inclement weather was a major factor of the workday for a brick mason, so Bob took on a subsequent profession, becoming affiliated with ILA Local 1426 and worked in the carpenter's gang.  This too worked for a while but still was not what he wanted out of life.  He became employed as a Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service where he remained until becoming disabled.  Never forgetting about the need for Christ in his life, Bob decided the family should do things together.  He made the sacrifice and transferred his church membership to Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church under the pastorate of Reverend J. A. Humphrey.  He immediately began his work in the church by becoming a member of Senior Choir #1 and Men's Choir under the direction of Mrs. Velma McIntyre who influenced him to use his talent of singing.  He later became a member of the Trustee Board, and Sunday School Adult Teacher.  He was very instrumental in making contact with all in the neighborhood, community and in the City of Wilmington receiving contributions for the church.  In October 1971, he delivered what we determined to be his first or initial sermon, "Send Me, I'll Go".  He was then transferred to the Steward Board at the church.  He was ordained an Itinerate Elder in the AME Church in the North Carolina Conference in 1975 and preached the good news until his retirement in 1991.  His pastorates includes:  The Red Spring Circuit (St. Matthew-Elrod/Macks Chapel in Red Springs, NC); the Northwest Circuit (Bethel in Northwest, NC and Friendship in Bolton, NC); Mt. Carmel in Southport, NC; St. James in Kelly, NC; and Union Bethel in Hampstead, NC.  After his retirement he continued preaching the Good News wherever there was a need, all for the Glory of God.  His entrepreneurial experiences would be owner of rental properties, B&M Café, Boykin's Cut-Rate Drug Store and Neighborhood Superette.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Alice Burkett Boykin; his wife, Helena Hall Boykin; one son, Robert D. Boykin Jr.; sister, Alice T. Miller; and three brothers, Isaac E., Hartford E. and William, G., and his nephew, Clarence who was raised like a brother. Those who will always remember his love and tenacity:

Two Sons: Ronald A. (Helen) and William O. (Marie)

His Daughter: (who was his caregiver and nurse, and he would say his mother and/or warden) Helena D. (Joseph)

Grandchildren: Robert (Dassile), Derrick (Tamika), Kevin, RoKisha (Leon), Roshaun, Kenya, DeLisha, Lakyna, William, Kevin,

Great-Grandchildren: Maya, Mycah, Brianna, Brittany, Zemontre, James, Jalen, Kennedy, Zoyie, Rae Lynn, Orlando, Janay, Christopher, Nayyara, Cayden, Nicholas, and Matthew

Great-Great-Grandchildren

Brother: Oliver A. Boykin

Special Niece: Alice Boykin Fennell

Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

Adoptive Son: George Ronald Brown

Adoptive Family: "His" dedicated Staff of John H. Shaw's Son Funeral Home

God Children: Kimberly Godwin, Adelle Dickson, George Dickson, Vivian and Kevin West

Close To His Heart: Terri & Wendell Boykins; Cheryl and Perry James; Sadie McAllister; Camesha (Phillip) and Tyler, Marie Hillian, Sandra David, Eunice and Joe Dingle, Terrie and Cliff Coleman and Shelia Cannon

Special Friends:  Luther Jenkins and Peter Cathey

His heart went out to all, especially the Mt. Olive AME Church family, who he met and considered everybody his family.  Everybody was his special somebody. There are also special church members that we will never forget from Sandhill AME Church, Burgaw, NC.