Loyd Earl Regan passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his beloved family, on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the age of 89. Loyd Earl was a devoted husband to Janice “Sissie” Kane Regan, with whom he shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. A lifelong resident of Cheraw, Mississippi, Loyd Earl graduated from Columbia High School in 1954 and went on to earn his degree from Pearl River Community College in 1956. He proudly served in the United States Navy, completing an 18-month tour before receiving an honorable discharge to return home and care for his ailing father. Loyd Earl was a faithful member of Grace Chapel in Sandy Hook and cherished his church and church family deeply. Until his health no longer allowed, he rarely missed a service. Loyd Earl’s greatest joy was his family, closely followed by his passion for sports. His years spent on the ball field—coaching, cheering, and supporting—were among the happiest of his life. Every person who played for him became part of his extended family and was lovingly known as one of “his boys or girls.” He also had a deep love for West Marion High School and poured much of his time and heart into supporting its athletic programs. Whether it was driving the football and basketball buses or watching his children and grandchildren play, he traveled across the state proudly supporting the Trojans. He adored every player and formed lasting bonds with the coaches over the years. Loyd Earl was also a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan and treasured the many memories made at Turner Field with his loved ones. When not at the ballpark, his favorite destination was the Great Smoky Mountains, especially for a banana split (or two) from Mel’s Diner—an essential stop on every trip.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Norma Regan; his brothers, Jack Regan and infant Robert J. Regan. He is survived by his loving wife, Sissie; their children, Angela McMullin (Mike), Wayne Regan (Bobbie), and Lana Hunt (Rob); six grandchildren, Erin Turner (Shane), Heather Polkey (Stanley), Haley Hill (Corey), Emilee Regan, Zackery Hunt (Mackenzie), and Mason McMullin; and six great-grandchildren, Ryley and Ramey Turner, Kinley, Sawyer, and Grayson Hill, and Brynlee Regan.
There will be a visitation at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia, MS on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Loyd Earl will be at Grace Chapel in Sandy Hook on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 11:00am. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00am until service time. Reverend Santiago Shol and Reverend Steve Albritton will officiate the service. Burial will follow at the Grace Chapel Cemetery assisted by Wayne “Hamburger” Herring, Jesse Crain, Randall “Squirrel Dog” McCain, Devon Armstrong, Adam Albritton, and Woody Pounds serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will include Shane Turner, Corey Hill, Ralph Sims, Ramon Johnston, Grant Grisham, Ethan Armstrong, Rob Thornhill, Henry “Cooterman” Fortenberry, Victor Johnson, and the men’s and women’s Sandy Hook Softball teams.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grace Chapel Pew Fund in memory of Loyd Earl.
