Luke Hudson Boykin

Colonel Luke H. Boykin USAF (Ret.) entered Heaven December 31, 2018.

Born in Graham, Texas and raised in Scottsboro, Alabama. He graduated from the Univ. of Alabama in 1953 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  A Distinguished Graduate of Air Force ROTC, he received his commission. He earned a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1960.

A great American, he served his country with distinction, receiving his pilot wings in 1956. He flew F-89 and F-102 interceptors. Volunteering for duty in Vietnam, he was assigned to the 311th Air Commando Squadron and logged 805 combat hours in the C-123.  He worked with nuclear missiles and probe programs retiring as Director, AMRAAM  Missile Program Office at Eglin AFB in 1980.  Honors include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and many others.  After retirement he continued to support the military as a defense contractor, working on advanced missile programs.

Active in his community, Luke was the first Eagle Scout in Jackson County, AL.    An excellent golfer with many stories including his 5 aces, eagles, shooting his age, having a single digit handicap, shooting subpar to be league medalist and playing St. Andrews.  Saturdays were Alabama football [Roll Tide] or time with family.   Sundays you found him in church, often teaching Sunday School.   He truly loved his country, family, and God.

Preceded to Heaven by his wife and mother of his children, Ann Curtis Boykin; father, Luke H. Boykin; mother, Sarah Couch Boykin; aunt, Evelyn Couch Proctor.

Survived by his loving wife Judy; children Luke Boykin, Lisa Boykin Phillips, and Charley Boykin; stepchildren Douglas Johns, Heather Anderson; brothers Bert, Perry and Paul; many nieces and nephews; and grandchildren.

A Celebration of Luke’s life will be Monday, January 7 at Crosspoint United Methodist Church Niceville at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Wycliffe Bible Translators PO Box 628211 Orlando, FL 32862-8211. For Jo Shetler #217848 and Amy West #232003.

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