John R. Loyd, 84, of Statesville died peacefully at home on Thursday, May 16, 2013. A retired farmer and Assistant Superintendent with the NC Department of Corrections, John was the son of the late R.C. and Cordia Sprinkle Loyd.
Following graduation from Central High School, he married Georgia Millsaps Loyd, now deceased, on December 18, 1948.
John was active in his faith, serving at various times as a church deacon, Sunday School director and teacher. Also active in his community, John was past President of the North Iredell FFA Alumni Association, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Volunteer Fire Department, former President of the Iredell County Democratic Men and a member of Ruritan National. As a Master Mason, John became Deputy Grand Master of the 51st Masonic District and was a member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner.
In 2000, John was awarded The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the State of NC for “extraordinary service to the state”. In 2006, he received the Distinguished Service Award from the NC Jersey Cattle Breeders Association.
“Papa John”, as grandkids and others affectionately called him, is survived by sons: Dorman (Linda) of Statesville and Neil (Lydia) of Raleigh, NC and daughter, Barbara Waugh (Barry) of Statesville. Daughter, Marsha Sidden (Keith of Traphill, NC) preceded John in death. Grandchildren include: Whitney Gann (Andrew) of Charlotte, NC; Garrett Loyd of Hookerton, NC; Bryan Loyd (Tabatha) of Statesville; Clayton Sidden of Denver, NC and Angela, Amanda and Cheyenne Waugh of Statesville.
The second of twelve children, John was preceded in death by brothers: R.C., Grady and Tommy Loyd. Surviving siblings include: Jim Loyd of Statesville; Max Loyd of Clemson, SC; A.K. (Butch) Loyd of Stony Point, NC; Iris Mayberry of Union Grove, NC; Laura Nell Myers of Winston-Salem, NC; Martha Kirkman of Pleasant Gardens, NC; (Cordia) Cookie Wilson of Statesville and Pat Parks of Banner Elk, NC.
The family will visit with friends on Sunday evening, May 19 from 5:00 – 8:00 at Nicholson Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held Monday, May 20 at 2:00 PM at Rocky Hill Baptist Church with interment at New Prospect Baptist Church. Officiating will be: Rev. Johnny Henderson, Rev. Dwight Dowell and Rev. Joey Campbell. Masonic rites will be accorded by members of the Snow Creek Masonic Lodge. Pallbearers will be: Bryan Loyd, Clayton Sidden, Garrett Loyd, Andrew Gann, Bobby Bingman and Jim Dobson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Central Volunteer Fire Department.
Memorials may be made to: Gideons International -www.gideons.org/HowYouCanHelp/Give.aspx
Online condolence may be made to the family at nicholsonfunerals.com
Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.