Boyd Ray Nye, age 77 died at his home in Alliance on May 22, 2020 with his family at his side.
Boyd was born November 2, 1942 to William H. (Bill) and Retta (Simpson) Nye in Alliance, NE. He joined his brother, Bob and sisters Doris and Darlene as the third generation to live on the homestead of his grandparent’s William H. Sr. and Lucy Ella (Jennings) Nye Northeast of Alliance. Boyd grew up helping work the farm, riding horses, and doing chores. He and Darlene argued about whose turn it was to clean the chicken house!
Boyd attended Box Butte County Rural School District #3 through the 8th grade. He then attended Alliance High School, graduating in 1960. Following graduation, he moved in to Alliance where he was employed by DeMar trailer company, and later Plains Implement while continuing to help on the farm.
On January 10, 1964 Boyd and Jelinda Christensen were united in marriage at the First Christian Church in Alliance. Their son Barry was born in April of 1968 and in June of 1968, the family moved to Chadron where he became employed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. In 1971 Boyd became the assistant superintendent of Indian Cave State Park, and the family moved to Schubert, NE. They returned to Box Butte County in 1973 to help work the Nye and Christensen Farms moving onto the Nye homestead where he farmed wheat and raised livestock. During this time he also drove a truck hauling beets and cattle for W. Christie and Howard Herian. In 2008 Boyd and Jelinda “semi-retired” and moved back into Alliance when Barry and his wife Gretchen, and their son Cody moved onto the home place becoming the 4th and 5th generations to live on the ranch.
Boyd enjoyed hunting, fishing, carpentry, welding and following his grandson, Cody’s activities. He loved a good card game with friends, and was known for card tricks, and telling jokes. We think he remembered every joke he ever heard! He was a member of the Alliance Eagles Club for 56 years and was active in the Alliance Archery Club. Boyd taught archery and hunter safety through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for several years.
He is survived by his wife Jelinda, son Barry, daughter in-law Gretchen, and grandson Cody. He is also survived by his sister, Darlene (Jim) Doyle of Gregory, SD, nieces and nephews Celia (David) Weeks, Brent (Anne) Nye, Joleen (Mike) Townsend, Karen (Mark) DeBolt, Carl (Fusun) Sulzbach, Tracy (Jon) Dahlenburg, Jay (Lori) Doyle, and Chad Holmberg. Boyd was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Retta, brother Bob and his wife Bessie, sister Doris and Husband Chuck Sulzbach, niece Lori (Doyle) Holmberg, in-laws John and Esther Christensen, sister in-law Mary Jane McCrery, and niece Rhonda Champion.
A graveside service will be held at Fairview Cemetery on Wednesday May 27th, 2020 at 2:00 PM. In case of rain, please use Jefferson Rd. not Hayes Rd. to travel to the cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Regional West Hospice, or to the family for designation to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for hunter safety education.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.