Simmons Pressly "Press" Boyd

Simmons Pressly “Press” Boyd, Jr., 79, of Archdale, and formerly of Statesville, NC, passed away on June 27, 2026, from complications of Parkinson’s disease, which he bravely fought for ten years. Press was born March 29, 1947, in Charlotte, NC to the late Simmons P. Boyd, Sr. and Marion Uzzell Boyd. He moved to Statesville, NC as a child, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He attended Davie Avenue Elementary, Oakwood Junior High, Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA and Statesville High School, graduating in 1965. He took pride in his football career during junior and senior high school. Press attended East Carolina University for one year before choosing to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1966-1970. He served as an E-5 Storekeeper aboard the USS Hunley (AS-31), a Polaris submarine tender. Press resumed his education at Mitchell Community College in Statesville before graduating from UNC Charlotte. He worked for Exxon Company in NC and SC, then returned to Statesville and worked for Piedmont Lumber Company, Merchants Metals, the City of Statesville, and Blossman Gas and Appliance. He concluded his career as an Iredell County Magistrate Judge, retiring in 2018. Throughout his career, he strived to treat coworkers and clients with fairness, respect, and compassion.

Press was an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason for 44 years, serving as Master of the Statesville Lodge, District Deputy Grand Master, and as a member of the Scottish Rite and Shriners. He also faithfully served Forest Park Presbyterian Church as Deacon, Chairman of the Deacons, and Elder. Press consistently demonstrated his faith to his family. He loved classic cars and motorcycles and enjoyed telling stories of his 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, 1955 Chevy truck, and 1961 Ford F-100. He could tell you the engine specifications of nearly any car he saw. He had a tremendous sense of patriotism and love for the military, often becoming emotional at any discussion of the sacrifices made by those who served. Whether with lifelong friends or someone he had just met, Press loved conversation, telling stories, and making others feel at home. He possessed the rare trait of caring more about others’ needs than his own.

Nothing meant more to Press than his family. He met the love of his life, Sylvia Temple Boyd, on a blind date, proposed to her six days later, married her in 1980, and cherished their 45-year marriage. His wife survives him, along with his brother Randy Boyd (Helen) of Lake Zurich, IL, and sons Jeff Boyd (Tara) of Statesville, Andy Mayfield (Donna) of Archdale, and Brian Boyd of Statesville. He dearly loved his eight grandchildren: Savannah Harmon (Trent), Samuel Boyd (Shea), Sullivan Boyd (Sophia), Stephen Mayfield, Joshua Mayfield, Mollie Mayfield, Benjamin Boyd, and Suri Boyd. He also loved his three great-grandchildren (Teddy, Scout, and Sunny Harmon) and special nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, David Watts Boyd.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 3:00 pm at Forest Park Presbyterian Church, 1026 Davie Avenue, Statesville. The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm at the church. A livestream of the service can be accessed via the church’s website or YouTube page. Immediately following the service, a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery, 114 North Oakwood Drive, Statesville, will include Masonic and military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Purple Heart Homes, which provides housing and home repair services to local veterans, or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements for Press Boyd are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.