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Thomas Ray Floyd, husband, father, U.S. Army veteran, businessman, beloved grandfather and great-grandfather passed from this world to eternal life on December 24, 2020. He was 95 years old and a resident of The Legacy at Forest Ridge Assisted Living Community in Schertz, Texas.
Thomas, known by most as T.R., was born the middle child to Thomas Loren and Ocie Ila Floyd on March 22, 1925 in Paris, Texas. Growing up the son of the town’s grocer, T.R. was a natural entrepreneur and salesman. Upon his graduation from high school, T.R. served our country during World War II in the United States Army Headquarters Troop 1st Cavalry Division. He had foreign wartime service in New Guinea and the Philippines. Due to his childhood experience in the grocery business, he was assigned to South Pacific Supply Logistics and Commissary Operations. He was awarded Philippine Liberation Ribbons, 1st Calvary Good Conduct Medals, the Victory Medal and the Bronze Star. After being honorably discharged in December 1945, he returned home to Paris, Texas and began his college education at Paris Junior College. Shortly thereafter, T.R. met his bride Wilma Jewel and they wed in August of 1947. The couple welcomed their first son, Thomas Ray, Jr., in 1948. The family then moved to Lubbock, Texas for T.R. to continue his studies at Texas Tech. Upon graduating in 1950 with a degree in Petroleum Geology, T.R. moved his family back to Paris and they welcomed their second son, Terry Lynn, in 1953. Eventually settling in North Richland Hills to raise their family after building and moving into their forever home in 1959.
During the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s, T.R. had a successful career as an insurance sales professional. During his career, he held executive positions at American National Life and Globe Life and Accident Insurance Company. T.R, however, was not “all work and no play.” Though his business travel did keep him quite busy, he could be found most weekends in a bass boat with a fishing rod in hand. An avid fisherman and lake enthusiast, he and Wilma made their second home at Possum Kingdom Lake. Upon retirement, T.R. took to the lake more often and taught his grandchildren how to fish and enjoy lake living. He hosted many fun lake house gatherings filled with fishing with his sons and extended family, boating, waterskiing and celebrating summer holidays in a spirited fashion. He loved nothing more than showing his family hospitality with one of his famous fish fries, hamburgers on the grill, or a competitive game of dominoes or horseshoes. In his later years in North Richland Hills, T.R. could usually be found manicuring his pristine lawn and tinkering in his woodworking shop.
The greatest joy of Thomas’ life was truly his family. He especially enjoyed being a grandpa to his grandchildren and “Pops” to his great-grandchildren. Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Ocie; father, Thomas; brother, Morris; youngest son, Terry; and several beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Wilma; his younger sister, Wanda McCollum; his eldest son, Thomas, Jr. (Michele); his former daughters-in-law, Jerri Benson (Rick) and Kathy Cook (Jack). His grandchildren; Tracy Floyd Schraub (Justin), Erica Floyd Fisher (David), Travis Floyd and Kennion Rivers (Kristy). His great-grandchildren; Austin Schraub, Katherine Schraub, Ella Fisher, Jack Fisher, Michael Rivers and Kaleb Rivers. As well as, a host of cherished sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A family graveside service and interment will be held Friday, January 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery. As floral arrangements are not allowed at the cemetery, please consider making contributions in memory of Thomas Ray Floyd, Sr. to the Dementia Society of America. (Memorials by mail to P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or online at www.DementiaSociety.org/donate)