After graduation, Thomas obtained employment with the Pennsylvania Rail Road as a laborer. He was called to service and entered the U.S. Navy on June 8, 1943. He was sent to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois. After completing boot camp, Thomas was sent to the South Pacific and stationed on New Hebrides, a group of Islands in the Coral Sea, West of Australia and South of the Solomon Islands.
Two days before his 19th birthday, Seaman 2nd Class Thomas Boyd Jr, was killed by a Japanese sniper. His parents received the telegram of his death on April 15th, from Vice Admiral Jacobs, Chief of Navy Personnel. A memorial service was held at the Hutchinson Memorial U.A.M.E Church with a large attendance from the community. The flag and service flag are still held at the church. Thomas was buried at the Punch Bowl National Cemetery in Honolulu, Hawaii with full military honors
The James Adams School dedicated their new library as the Thomas Boyd Memorial Library on May 18th, 1944. A tree was also planted in his honor at the playground at 9th and Chestnut Streets.