Obituary for my Father, J. Lewis Floyd

J. Lewis Floyd, born June 4, 1934 in Harriman, TN, bravely and boldly bounded from the loving arms of his earthly family into welcoming arms of his heavenly family on November 29, 2010.

Lew was a graduate of East High School in 1953 and Carson Newman College in 1958 where he was co-captain of the football team.  He married the love of his life Mary Frances (“Fran”) Gardner in 1958, and they began their international romance by serving the U.S. Army in Germany. In 1961, Lew joined the F.B.I., where he loyally served in Springfield, Illinois; Buffalo, New York; and New York City before finally returning to the Knoxville office in 1974. After retiring from the F.B.I in 1986, Lew worked with TVA, Suntrust Bank, before starting his private investigative firm.

“The Lewster” had three children by birth and three by marriage: Michelle and Andy, Doug and Kelly, and Jeremy and Dorry; six grandchildren Samuel, Benjamin, and Abigail (children to Andy and Michelle Bickers) and Audrey, Rowan, and Sadie (children to Jeremy and Dorry Floyd). However, he assumed the role of father and mentor for many others as a teacher, pastor, and friend. He is survived by his wife Frannie and his sister Frances of Knoxville. He is preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Daisy Mae and sister Mildred and brother Ralph.

Lew faithfully served the Lord as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and youth pastor for most of his life for many churches and most recently as the teacher of his dearest friends of the Faithful Followers class at First Baptist Concord.

The family invites friends and family to join in the celebration of Lew’s life Thursday December 2nd, 2010 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the chapel at First Baptist Concord with a Celebration service to follow. The internment will be held at 11:00 AM December 3rd, 2010 at Highland Memorial West.   He was a lover of life, a warrior, a man of honor, and an ambassador of the faith. Until our heavenly reunion, he will be deeply missed.

Read a post I wrote about dad last year.

Lew’s Caring Bridge Page

Lew’s Facebook Page


Jeremy Floyd

Jeremy Floyd is the President at FUNYL Commerce. Formerly, he was the CEO and President of Lirio, Bluegill Creative, a marketing and communications firm in Knoxville, Tennessee. In addition to managing the digital strategies, Floyd was an adjunct professor for the University of Tennessee Chattanooga MBA program teaching digital strategies and social media. Floyd blogs at jeremyfloyd.com and tweets under the name @jfloyd. Jeremy is licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee and holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from MTSU in English and Philosophy.

  • What a wonderful obituary for your father. He sounded like a wonderful man.

    I’m very sorry for your loss.

  • Gwyn Baker

    I am sure sorry for your loss! Will keep your wonderful family in my prayers!
    Love, Gwyn

  • Chris Powell

    Jeremy,

    You have written some great words to express as to how great your father was. I know he will be deeply missed and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Sincerely,

    Chris

  • Lindsay Oaks

    Beautiful words – praying for your family

  • The VanHorn’s

    Saying prayers for you and your family! Prayers of comfort during this time of grief, and celebratory prayers because of where Lew now calls home!

  • Kim

    What a great obituary. It makes me wish I had known him. Thinking of you and your family~
    Kim

  • Kim Miller

    Wow, what a great celebration of his life. This is a beautiful memorial, he sounds like an amazing man. I know you will miss him, but you have memories that are priceless and can never be erased. What a heritage he left.

  • Dena

    What a beautiful tribute. Please know we are thinking of your family during these days ahead. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

  • Clara Phillips

    I met him a couple of times when Doug preached at Shomair Yisrael Congregation. He and his wife were warm and friendly, easy to chat with people. It seems he and his wife raised wonderful children who rose and called them blessed.

  • Laura Caved

    I have never read such a beautiful obituary. What a blessing Godly daddies are to their families! Praying for you, Laura

  • To Doug, Michele, Jeremy and your spouses and children, and especially to Fran, Lew will be missed by many in this life and will be reunited with his earthly family and friends in Heaven. What little time I got to spend with him was an honor, because his love for Jesus shone through. My family will keep you in our prayers in your time of loss. If you need anything, please let us know.

  • Margaret Bickers

    Lou’s warmth and hospitality lives on through all of you. I love you Michelle. I am praying for you, early, late and through out the day. Wish I was in Tennessee to care for you. May God’s grace sustain you all.

  • Adam Ingle

    Very sorry to hear of your loss.

  • Gkill

    The testament of all great men are the legacies they leave behind and the indelible mark they make on another person’s soul. I have never had the great pleasure to meet Lew or his spouse, but I have been blessed that both of Lew’s sons are part of my life. Jeremy and Doug are amazing people and they are so mature spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. I hope when God calls me to come home that I have planted the seeds that Lew has his whole life.

    Sincerely…

  • Jeremy, that’s a wonderful tribute to your father. I can remember when Kelly and I worked together, she would talk about your Dad so lovingly. I know he will be missed until you are together again in heaven.

    We’ll be praying for you all.

    Terri

  • Jeanette Northrup

    I will him so very much. He had a wonderful smile and so much love for everyone in the family! Love and prayers to all of you.

  • Andrea Roark

    Jeremy, Michele and family,

    I am so, so sorry for your loss. What beautiful words you’ve written.

    Know that my thoughts are are with you. You are all such wonderful people, which says a lot about your father.

  • Jennifer Wilson

    What a sweet tribute to your dad! Thinking of you all during this time. Jennifer (and Danny) Wilson