EAST POINT, Ga. — George Rellie Boyd Jr., the former owner and operator of Boyd Tire Co. in East Point, died Dec. 15 at age 90.
Mr. Boyd establish Boyd Tire Co. in 1967 in East Point, a community south of Atlanta off Interstate 85. It was known for the "Paul Bunyan" statue outside of the business.
When Mr. Boyd retired in 2000, his sons George III and Hudson took over the family business. The business may be found online at boydtirepros.com.
"George was a well-known figure in the tire dealer industry and will be remembered for his compassion and generosity as much as his business prowess," his family said in his obituary.
"His motto, 'Quality tires and personal service,' stood the test of time and continues under the leadership of his sons, George III and Hudson."
Born Feb. 12, 1930, Mr. Boyd graduated Mercer University and then earned a law degree from Emory University — keeping a promise to his father.
"After graduating first in his class from Emory, George promptly informed his dad that he was going into the tire business, where George Sr. worked," his obituary said.
After working as president of Gordy Tire, he decided to open his own business, Boyd Tire Co., in 1967.
Mr. Boyd and his wife Mary Alice were married for nearly 70 years. The couple had four children, seventeen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.