Boyd E. Cressley

Boyd Cressley ran into the arms of Jesus surrounded by loved ones both here and in Eternity on Friday, January 14th, but not before signing off with “it has been a beautiful life.” With the gifted voice of his daughter-in-law, Tabatha, leading him in rounds of “There’s Just Something About that Name,” he smiled, and said, “I’m going to Heaven.”

Boyd was born in Punxsutawney, PA, on December 23, 1940, to parents Velma L. and Ralph Cressley of Juneau, PA, the fourth of 10 children.

He spent his life committed to fair treatment of all he encountered, unwaveringly demonstrating his love for Jesus, his Savior, hard work, and priorities of faith, and family. He and his bride, Beverly “Kay” Cressley were married April 15, 1960. They raised three children: Kevin (and wife, Heidi) of Summerville, SC, Scott (and wife, Tabatha) of Rochester Mills, PA, and Penny Clark (and husband, Bruno) of Valencia, PA.

After Kay’s tragic death to cancer in 1995, Boyd married Nancy Parsons of Cambridge, OH, after his sister Lois strategically arranged their meeting. Nancy and Boyd married on December 27, 1997, enjoying 24 years of love, laughter and continuing their lifelong commitment to Jesus, His church, and spending time with both families. Boyd loved and enjoyed Nancy’s family as his own: James Clipner (and wife, Debra) of Columbus, OH, and Julie Kerr (and husband, Roger) of Cambridge, OH. Boyd and Nancy’s favorite memories with their grandchildren were made at a campsite and a little camper where they gathered their combined pride: Aubren Whatley (and husband, Daniel), Corban Cressley (and wife, Lauren), Kaitlyn Duminske (husband, Dustin), Brandon Cressley (and wife, Gracie, or “Josie” as Boyd interpreted through his hearing challenge), and Patrick, Brody, and Ian Clark.  Christopher Kerr (and wife Jessica), Brandy Orndorf, Erin Weyandt, Matthew Clipner(and wife Jessica), Morgan Arbogast (and husband Matthew), and Shannon Aungst (and husband, Neal). Recent years provided Boyd and Nancy with great grandchildren: Bentley, Harrison Boyd, and Baby Sophia; Kennedy, Madison, Julia, James, Henry, Charlotte, Juliette, Jack, and a great-great grandson, Thorton.

No life is complete without shenanigans. Boyd’s growing years towards the end of the Depression with 9 siblings provided plenty, such as brothers Merle “Bub”, Fred, Gene, and Boyd conspiring to give cigarettes a try that ended in Gene’s need to rat them out! Boyd is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Merle “Bub” and Gene, and sister Lois Pearce, brothers-in-law James Michael, Sherwin Farmery, and Joe Pearce, sister-in-law Pat Cressley. Surviving siblings are Norma, “Teckie” Riddle (and husband Clayton), sister-in-law Clara Cressley, Carol “Cookie” Michael (and Bill Carney), Linda Farmery, Jackie Temchulla (and husband, Terry), and Pam Sprankle (and husband Doug) along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Boyd was small in stature, but large in life as he exuded joy, an unwavering positive perspective, and intellect that provided interesting conversations on topics ranging from finance to sports. He read the Wall Street Journal from cover to cover every day. After making the trip from Punxsutawney to Pittsburgh for 25 years as a Union carpenter, Boyd started a timber business with his sons in 1984. He leaves a legacy of sound and honest business practice, love of all without judgment, but most of all an uncompromising faith in his Lord and Savior.

The family wishes to express our gratitude and love for your support. We encourage you to give to the charity of your choice in memory of Boyd.

Friends will be received on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the McCabe Funeral Home Inc., 114 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney, PA 15767., Friends will also be received on Thursday, from 1:00 PM until the time of service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow at Union Cemetery, Rossiter.

To share a memory visit, www.mccabewaldronfh.com