Walter Earl “Freight Train” Boyd, 57, of Kill Devil Hills, N.C., died Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at his brother’s home in Nags Head, N.C., after fighting a long battle with heart disease. He is the son of Iris June Perry and the late Earl Boyd. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Wilton J. Boyd.

Walt was a truck driver his whole life. He loved the road, his family and friends. He loved to talk and tell stories. He will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by one aunt, Lynn Jackson of Elizabeth City, N.C.; three sisters, Ann Morris and husband, Dave of Washington, N.C., Valerie Gray Daniels and husband, Bobby of Wanchese, N.C., and Susan Perry of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; eight brothers, Travis Boyd and wife Linda of Washington, N.C., Milton Boyd and wife, Diane of Nags Head, N.C., Michael Merrell and wife, Pam of Grandy, N.C., Ronnie Merrell and wife, Patti of Kill Devil Hills, N.C., Glenn Perry of Ocala, Fla., Brian Merrell of Kill Devil Hills, N.C., Rupert Perry Jr. and wife, Margherita of Ocala, Fla., Doug Merrell of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; nine nephews, eight nieces, two great-nephews and one great-niece.

A memorial service will be held at the Whole Ministry Center, 826 E.R. Daniels Road, Wanchese, on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Travis Boyd and the Rev. Jeff Gray officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Twiford Funeral Home to help cover expenses.

The family will receive friends at the home of Milton and Diane Boyd, Nags Head, following the service.

Twiford Funeral Homes’ Colony Chapel, Manteo, N.C., is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.