Loy was the son of the late Willie Mallard and Corrine Fordham Mallard, born on June 27, 1929 in Statesboro, GA. Loy left school at the age of 16 to help with the family farm. He left Statesboro at age 18 and joined the United States Coast Guard where he was stationed at the St. Simons Coast Guard station. After he was honorably discharged from the service, Loy continued his education by attending Perry Business School.
On September 20, 1952, Loy married the love of his life, Mary Ann Akins. Loy is survived by his wife Mary, sisters Gloria Arnold of Avon Park, FL and Carolyn Hadnott of Lake Wales, FL, his children Thomas Mallard and his wife Debbie, Connie Fisher, Debra Gleaton, and Gary Mallard and his wife Connie, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Loy loved his family and doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known as ‘Papa’ and the babies always loved to sit in his lap and rock when they were little.
Loy was employed by Georgia Pacific for over 33 years, where he was a plant supervisor. He was an active member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church.
Loy enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and was an avid gardener as well. He and Mary enjoyed traveling and went on many trips together with friends and family after his retirement. They enjoyed going to Jackson Hole to ski and snow mobile and treated many of their grandchildren with a trip through the years, where many fond memories were made.
A service to celebrate Loy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM at Pine Ridge Baptist Church on Thursday, Aug 5th with Pastor Jerry Johns officiating. The family will receive visitors starting at 10:00 AM.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Golden Isles for their kindness and compassion during his stay.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pine Ridge Baptist Church.
Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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