‘Show up for that man:’ Richmond community mourns mentor, advocate Clyde Boykins after sudden death

Aug 16, 2025 - 21:25

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‘Show up for that man:’ Richmond community mourns mentor, advocate Clyde Boykins after sudden death

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond community is mourning the sudden loss of Clyde “Sincere” Boykins, a neighborhood leader who dedicated his life to uplifting others after serving nearly three decades in prison.

Boykins, known affectionately as “Unc,” collapsed while walking his dog on Tuesday, Aug. 12. His fiancée, Keisha Barnette, said he called her moments beforehand and told her he felt like he was having a heart attack.

Despite her efforts to reach him and the response from neighbors and emergency crews, Boykins died within minutes.

“It’s just a loss -- it’s not a loss just for me as my companion but a loss to our community, a loss to our neighborhood,” Barnette said. “I think a lot of people here, especially in Mosby, know the love that he had for the community because the community loved him right back.”

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader, pictured with his fianceé, Keisha Barnette. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

Boykins, officially Clyde Jr. Boykins, III, was released from prison in 2019 after serving nearly 30 years.

Determined to turn his second chance into a positive force, he founded Rich MindZ, a nonprofit focused on youth mentorship, community cleanups and mental health awareness. His mission, Barnette said, was to prevent kids from following the path he once walked.

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“One of the programs with community cleanup was taking pride in your community,” she said. “Because, if you have pride in your community, you have pride in yourself.”

Neighbors said Boykins was a constant presence in the Mosby neighborhood, known for walking his dog Sapphire and stopping to talk with anyone who crossed his path.

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader, pictured with his fianceé Keisha Barnette and other loved ones. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader, pictured with his fianceé, Keisha Barnette. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader, pictured with his fianceé Keisha Barnette and other loved ones. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader, pictured with his fianceé, Keisha Barnette. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

Clyde Jr. "Sincere" Boykins, III, a Richmond community leader. (Photos: Keisha Barnette)

“Anybody in this neighborhood knows that’s 'the man with the dog,'” Barnette said. “Even if they didn’t know his name, they knew who he was.”

For those closest to him, Boykins’ sudden passing has left a hole in their lives — but his vision remains. Barnette told 8News she’s determined to carry on his legacy and encourage others to continue his work.

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“Show up and show out in a positive way for the man that loved his community,” she said. “Not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. Show up for that man who would do anything for anybody. Show up for that man."