Jerry Ray Floyd

Jerry was born in Thomasville, July 29, 1939, a son of the late Rev. Cicero McKinley Floyd and Kate Rebecca Culbreth Floyd. He retired from Wright’s of Thomasville after 38 years of loyal service. His wife, Peggy Hill Floyd, and eight siblings preceded him in death.

Surviving are his daughter, Lisa Rogers, St. Petersburg, FL; a sister, Brenda Ward and three brothers, Mike, Darrell and Jim Floyd all of Thomasville, NC; and a granddaughter, Morgan Marlowe, Charlotte, NC. He is survived by dozens of nieces, nephews and people for which he was a father figure.

Jerry lived his entire life with a huge spirit of adventure. His zest for life was evidenced by that ever present smile on his face, bounce in his step and his generous heart. When not at home in Thomasville working on a project or eating his breakfast daily at his favorite restaurant you could find him relaxing in his mountain home on his pontoon boat or enjoying the Florida sun at his condo there. A lifelong traveler, some of Jerry’s favorite places included Myrtle Beach, San Diego, and Lake Tahoe. He was often spotted in the casinos of Atlantic City, Las Vegas and Cherokee as well as far flung places like the Turk’s and Caicos, the coast of Mexico and the Bahamas. He always left with more money than he came in with as he was so uncannily lucky.

Jerry was an avid sportsman. A longtime fisherman, Jerry spent many Saturdays during the summer months with his young only child, Lisa, at all the local area ponds. He taught her how to bait her own hook, cast the line, real in and remove a much prized big mouth bass - a skill she never forgot and used to win many contests. The trophies and plaques for his championship bowling still line the halls and walls of his home. Quite the pool player he would often have family and friends over to his home to shoot pool and play poker into the wee hours of the morning. He managed and pitched for the Wright’s of Thomasville softball team for many years. So many league and tournament trophies were won and wonderful memories made. Golfing was in his genes. Sometimes going a few years without picking up a club he never ceased to amaze all who saw him hit a ball. His Sunday routine during football season was settling in to watch his beloved Oakland Raiders play. An avid fan of boxing, he once met Don King in an elevator in Atlantic City. Shaking his hand he said “I feel like I know you!”

Jerry loved all “God’s critters” but his love for his dogs was surpassed only by his love for family. He had an ability to take the heart of the most loyal ones away from their owner. There was never a stray in his eyes because he took in and cared for them all. He would love it if that kindness could be continued in his honor.

A Celebration of Jerry’s life will be held Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 5:00 PM, at the Thomasville Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or cards a collection will be available to donate to some of Jerry’s favorite animal rescues.