Hood County Texas Genealogical Society

SAM BOYD

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 an all-conference end in both 1937 and 1938. He was also selected as an all-America end in 1938.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Boyd was inducted into Baylor's Athletics Hall of Fame in 1962.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; four children; two stepchildren; and two grandchildren.

He died Friday at his home in Granbury. Graveside services will be Monday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery.

~ Web Page by Virginia Hale ~

2003 HOOD COUNTY TEXAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY