Jesse Hardy Boykin

BOYKIN, Jesse Hardy – 83 of Mechanicsville, VA, peacefully passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025. He was bornon  February 7, 1942, to the late Dorsey Graham and Virginia Louise Boykin. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Steve Boykin; grandson, Jesse Lee Boykin; a sister, Barbara Rutherford; and a brother, Dorsey Boykin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Carole Cole Boykin; his daughter, Meloney and her husband, Keith Perry, of Powhatan; two granddaughters, Marley Perry and Megan Meyers (Luke); one grandson, Cody Boykin; six great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters; two special nieces and a special nephew, Debbie Rutherford Hall (Donald), Janet Rutherford Melton (Dale), and William Rutherford.

After graduating from high school, Jesse received additional training from Atlanta Technical Center for four years in heating and AC maintenance. During his career, he worked several trade jobs and became the building manager for a number of large buildings in the downtown Richmond area until his retirement. He had a high work ethic and expected those same high standards and respect from his co-workers.

Jesse loved caring for his yard and flowers along with his parti-poodle, Jake, who was his constant companion wherever he went. He was known for his love of David Baldacci books, NASCAR, saltwater fishing, and hunting in the George Washington National Park with his buddies. He was a terrific cook. He and his wife shared a great rivalry over who could catch the most, and the biggest fish in the Rappahannock River. He made lifelong friends at Bethpage Camp Resort in Urbanna, who became his river family for over 33 years. He always had a campfire glowing, and enjoyed having his friends, along with a few beers, around the campfire. He had a reputation for being the “tool man” because if you needed a special tool, Jesse would probably have it in his pickup or tool shed. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh and smile.

Jesse was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and will be greatly missed. A private celebration of life will be held in the spring. 

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