Max Jay Boyd

Max Jay Boyd, age 85, passed peacefully on Nov. 24, 2025, at the home he constructed for his family. The loving father, grandfather, brother & friend is the son of the late Frederick and Marie (Bigley) Boyd of Cumberland, OH.

Throughout his life, Max could be found fiddling and tinkering with something he deemed “needing fixed.” From early on, he had a passion for architecture and construction. Starting out as an apprentice for Floyd Prugh Construction, he discovered his passion and apt for constructing houses for families to call home.

In 1958, while building his family home, his forever love walked right into his life, Peggy (Lingle) Boyd. Soon after, they started their life together. The two were married on November 5, 1961. From then on, they built their beautiful life together.

After marriage, Max started his own business, Boyd Custom Built Homes. For over 55 years, Max built New Concord. If you have driven through the streets of New Concord, you have seen a Boyd Custom Built Home, each curated with the love and precision only Max could provide. The motto he lived by was “You’ll never work a day in your life if you love what you do,” and he sure did.

When he wasn't working, he was indulging in one of his many passions. He was an avid NASCAR fan; his favorites included Tim Richmond, David Pearson, and, of course, Dale Earnhardt Sr. He spent many years road tripping to the Indy 500, exploring the Smoky Mountains, living it up at the Casinos, and camping with friends and family. Most of his evenings, especially Thursday nights, he could be found at King Pin Lanes participating in the Ramage Royal Blue & Byesville Electric leagues. He was a member of the first team in the Cambridge City Bowling Tournament to shoot 3500. He came close to many perfect games, just missing the sought-after 300.

Above all, Max was a family man. With three children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, days were never dull.

Max is preceded in death by: his parents, Frederick & Marie (Bigley) Boyd; older brother, Rex Boyd; father & mother in-law James & Ada (White) Lingle; & brother-in-law, Dan Lingle.

Max is survived by: his wife, Peggy (Lingle) Boyd; his sister, Nila Moore; his children, Paula (Rich) Goodwin, Brent Boyd, & Tara (Steve) Myatt; his grandchildren, Tanner Boyd, Jake Goodwin, & Jessica Goodwin; his great-grandchildren, Kyla Dansby-Goodwin, Kora Dansby-Goodwin, & Coleson Goodwin; brothers in-law Jim (Barb) Lingle, Bill (Bernice) Lingle; & Sister in-law, Jill Lingle, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Thorn- Black Funeral Home Monday, December 1, 2025, from 4PM-8PM and at East Union Presbyterian Church, 59535 Claysville Rd, Cambridge, Ohio 43725, on Tuesday December 2, 2025, from 12PM until the time of the service at 1PM. Burial will follow at Zion Cemetery in Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed in Max’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Finally, the family would like to send a sincere thank you to Hospice of Guernsey County for their compassion and kindness.