Clarence Boyd Wisdom, Jr.

Clarence Boyd Wisdom, Jr., 82 of Fredericksburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Mary Washington Hospital. Born August 18, 1942 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Boyd spent his entire childhood growing up in Longview, Texas. He spent most of his adult life residing in King George and Port Royal, Virginia, but he was always very proud of his “East Texas” roots.

Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence B. Wisdom Sr. and Molly M. Wisdom. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Barbara M. Wisdom; children Kevin Wisdom (Tammy) and Kelly Paterino (Dominic); grandchildren Michael Hobbs (Brooke), Olivia Wisdom, and Samuel Paterino; siblings Betty Yarbrough and John D. Wisdom (Tina) both of Longview, Texas, and Marie Westbrook of Kennard, Texas. He also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Over the last 20 plus years he had grown close with his big brother John.  Boyd was grateful for their friendship and always looked forward to their phone calls.

Boyd attended Virginia Tech and was later employed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia serving in various engineering roles for over 50 years, 41 as a civilian and another decade working as a government contractor. Later in his career, he was the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) lead for the NSWC Dahlgren Site Planning Agent during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.  Boyd coordinated the creation of all new SSDS capabilities at two different Wallops Island Land Based Test Sites for all SSDS Mark 1 and Mark 2 testing prior to its approval for installation on ships.  These test sites were used to perform nearly all testing of the systems prior to SSDS being fielded on aircraft and amphibious ships.  SSDS was developed specifically to address a gap in cruise missile defense capabilities traditionally provided by other smaller ships.

Boyd was active in the church and several local organizations throughout many years. He served as the treasurer for King George Little League, was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, volunteered with the King George Quarterback Club, and in his later years was a member of the Ruritan Club of Port Royal, Virginia. He also held different positions and volunteered his time at Peace Lutheran Church in King George and at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Port Royal.

Boyd was a true animal lover.  He was so heartbroken when his beloved Golden Retriever Dallas passed away.  His interests included fishing, bluegrass music, reading, college football, and he could always be found working on a new project around the house.

Boyd truly cherished spending time with his family.  He never met a stranger and could make friends wherever he went with his warm smile and one-of-a-kind sense of humor.  He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  His family never knew a lot about his work at Dahlgren, but Boyd always spoke very highly of his co-workers, friends, and people that he crossed paths with.

Boyd’s cremation arrangements were handled through Storke Funeral Home in King George.  An interment of cremated remains will be held at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church at later date.

A celebration of life will be held at Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church in Port Royal, Virginia on January 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow in the adjacent Parrish House.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Boyd’s honor to the ASPCA (https://secure.aspca.org/donate) or Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, 823 Water Street, P. O. Box 399, Port Royal, Virginia 22535.