On Saturday, September 24, 2022, Boyd Elton Waltman, Jr., loving friend, brother and uncle, passed away suddenly at the age of 56 and went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. Boyd was born to May and Boyd Waltman in Houston, Texas on November 26, 1965. He grew up in Spring, Texas and graduated from Klein High School. After high school Boyd attended Texas A&M University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English. He later returned to school and earned his Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas. He was a devoted son to his parents and was particularly close to his precious mother, May. He was also the most wonderful brother to his two sisters, Susan and Sandy.

Boyd married the love of his life, Heather Holmes, in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1999. They resided in Houston, Texas and were married until 2015. They shared many happy years together and remained best friends until his death.

Growing up, Boyd played many little league sports including baseball, basketball, and football, and he helped his dad raise horses and cattle. His true passions growing up, however, were water skiing and hydrosliding, and he entered many water ski competitions, placing well. This passion also extended to snow skiing when he got to experience it in college for the first time. Boyd also loved bicycling and being in nature. He loved trees and water and felt great sympathy for creatures unable to speak or care for themselves. He took in countless strays, including a three-legged squirrel, a falcon with a broken wing, and so many needy kittens and cats.

He taught for many years at Galena Park ISD and was named "Teacher of the Year" multiple times, a true testament to the love and care he had for all of his students. Boyd was gifted with a brilliant, creative mind and the kindest, most generous heart. His curiosity about the world was insatiable. He enjoyed words, literature, music, films, and film editing. He especially loved the films of Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, and François Truffaut, and the music of Bob Dylan.

Boyd showed compassion for all human beings and animals alike. Over the years, he adored his many beloved cats, especially his precious Chim Chim. He was extremely passionate about civil rights and exposing corruption and injustice in the world. He held firmly to the belief in treating everyone, especially the most vulnerable, with dignity and love. He was a true humanitarian and a staunch advocate for the least of those among us.

Boyd was always there for anyone when they needed help. He listened with a compassionate heart and loved deeply. He was always modest about his intellect, but was most often the smartest person in the room. He had a funny, dry wit and the best laugh that we will dearly miss hearing. He enjoyed time spent with his nieces and nephews and was always ready for a game of football in the yard, playing basketball or board games.

Boyd is preceded in death by his parents, May and Boyd Waltman, and survived by his dearest friend and former wife, Heather Holmes, as well as his older sister, Susan Lonon, brother-in-law, Steve Lonon, and their children, Stephen Taylor and Caroline Lonon, Emily Clair and Alec Brunson, and Kate and Connor Gulledge. He is also survived by his younger sister, Sandy McManus, brother-in-law, Jay McManus, and their children Brooke and Wilson Brown, Allie and Kyle Lewis, Jake McManus, Asher McManus, and many friends and former co-workers. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at Klein Funeral Home-Champions on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Friends and family are welcome to gather beginning at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers his family is requesting donations to be made in Boyd's name to "The Cat Doctor" located at 534 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77006. (713) 522-8362. All donations received in Boyd's name will go towards the cat rescue fund.