He was a graduate of Freed Hardeman College (class of 1940) and the Case School of Applied Science (now Case Western Reserve University) where he received his B.S. in chemical engineering in 1942. Following graduation, he was hired by Goodrich to assist in the vital production of rubber for the war effort. In the late 1940s, he began work with Chemstrand in the research and development of synthetic fibers. Chemstrand merged with Monsanto where Cloyce continued to work in their textile division until he retired in 1982.
Cloyce was the son of Charles Leroy Purdom and Clara Mae Puckett of Paragould, Arkansas and the older brother of Harold Purdom of Houston, Texas who have all predeceased him. Cloyce met the love of his life Imogene Fike at Freed Hardeman. They were married for 71 years before she predeceased him in 2014.
He was baptized at age 15 and was a faithful Christian and member of the church of Christ, serving in many capacities at congregations wherever he and Imogene lived and worked including Cleveland and Akron, Ohio; Eldorado, Arkansas; Decatur, Alabama; Wilmington, Delaware; Fairlawn and Midland Park, New Jersey; Greenville, SC; Charlotte, NC; and Fort Mill, SC. He was currently a member of the Mandarin church of Christ in Jacksonville.
He leaves behind a family who treasured him: his daughters Suzanne Martin Wheeler (husband Frank) of Nashville, TN and Jeanne Nicholson of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren who affectionately called him Paw Paw—Jamon Martin (wife Michelle), Melanie Grogan (husband Eric), and Scott Chipman; seven great grandchildren Gunner Martin, Elizabeth Grogan, Addie Martin, Will Grogan, Prady Martin, Kate Grogan, and Max Grogan; and two nephews Louie Purdom and Harry Purdom. Family and friends will remember him for his contagious smile and good-nature, sense of humor, words of encouragement, generosity, selflessness, willingness to step up without being asked, and his enthusiasm for bowties, golf, the beach, and road trips. His family meant the world to him.
During the last few years, he received loving care from his long-term caregiver Frankie McDonald, as well as from many others who enabled him to stay in his home and enjoy as much independence as possible.
A celebration of his life will be held on September 19 at 4pm at the Mandarin church of Christ at 12791 Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville. The service will also be streamed on the church website (mandarincc.com).
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mandarin church of Christ in memory of Cloyce are welcome.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.
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