George Howell Jack Floyd

George Howell Jack Floyd died on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Jack was 92 years young. Months prior to his death, Jack suffered a brain bleed and required surgery. He worked hard in therapy and was able to return to the work he loved in July - meeting clients and assisting them with their legal needs. Jack’s determination to keep working reaffirmed he was a fighter, a gentleman, and a legend in the legal field.

Jack Floyd was born October 9, 1928, to George Waits Floyd and Nannie Mae Robison Floyd. Jack was the youngest of four children. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his sisters, Kate Floyd Briscoe (W.O.), Rob Floyd Spurrier (Sam) and Maud Floyd Herndon (Lowe H.), and by the love of his life, Jane Vaughn Floyd, after 56 years of marriage. Jack is survived by his oldest son and law partner, John D. Floyd (Denise Wiggins) of Gadsden, and son George W. Floyd (Angel) of Madison. His grandchildren were the pride and light of his life: Erica Floyd Shumate (Clay) of Tuscaloosa, Elyse Floyd Crowder (Nick) of Hoover, Sara Catherine Floyd of Huntsville, Susan Floyd of Homewood, Zachary Floyd of Madison; and great-grandchildren Piper Crowder, Peyton Crowder, and Wesley Shumate. Honorary pallbearers are all present and past Circuit Court Judges, District Court Judges and Probate Court Judges. Having practiced law for 68 years, Jack truly loved and was honored to work with all the employees in the Etowah County judicial system, the city municipalities in Etowah County and many other court systems in our surrounding counties.

Jack Floyd’s life, service, and leadership should serve as an example for today’s leaders. He was a climber; he loved the saying “that ain’t no hill for a climber” whenever facing adversity. Jack Floyd was full of talents, and he used them to help, not to harm; to heal, not to divide; to correct, and to fight for justice. He believed in serving, not being served. Throughout his life, Jack proudly held the titles of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, State Senator, Chairman of the Gadsden City Board of Education, Chairman of the Board of Stewards of the First United Methodist Church, a Korean War Combat Officer, and Governor of Civitan International. Jack made a difference in the lives of many and taught the necessity of hard work, duty, and compassion.

The great depression forged him in his early years, growing up in the cotton mill town of Alabama City. Whatever his circumstances, Jack found “no excuses, but reasons to forge ahead.” He was a climber. He attended Emma Sansom High School and the University of Alabama. While in college, Jack was called to active duty in the Korean War and served three years as an Infantry Officer in Fox Company, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On June 3, 1953, he graduated from University of Alabama Law School and entered private practice with Colonel E. G. Pilcher in Gadsden.

Each day for the next 68 years, troubled people arrived at his door believing he could solve their problems. Serving clients from all walks of life, Jack always tried to help and often took cases others would not take, because it was right. He was the champion of the working man, and a thorn in the side of the powerful and self-righteous. He was honored to argue cases before the United States Supreme Court and dozens of minor tribunals and Municipal Courts, including Justice of the Peace Courts. He learned early on that there is no shortcut to making a real lawyer, that it took discipline, hard work and long hours. Drew Redden, a lawyer, once said, “Ours is a profession of service. It is a calling, not a job. It is an art, not a business. We are always instruments in God’s own hands.” Jack believed this and often told people the art to practicing law is knowing when to answer, what answer to give, and how to tactfully say, “go to hell.” Jack was asked many times over the years “when are you going to retire?” and would reply: “Bobby Lee Cook once said, ‘I enjoy waking up every morning and having someone that day to kick in the pants that needs it. When that feeling is gone, that’s the day I will retire’.” Age made no difference to Jack for he learned throughout the years to be a climber – pushing himself to maintain excellence in all his endeavors.

Jack always found time to love Jane; love his children and grandchildren; teach Sunday School classes; and serve as attorney for Etowah County Commission for 20 years, as well as attorney for several towns and water authorities in Etowah County. As a charming tribute, Sardis City Town Council named a roadway the “Jack Floyd Road.” Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said “everybody at one time or another has enthusiasm. Some people have enthusiasm for 30 minutes; some have it for 30 days; but the person who maintains enthusiasm for 30 years is the one who packs real meaning and achievement into his or her life.” Jack loved and achieved much in his life and joyfully maintained his enthusiasm for work up until his death.

Jack contracted COVID-19 on August 6th and never recovered. Several family members and caregivers also contracted the virus and are currently in quarantine. Jack would never wish any harm or illness to his family or friends, so due to the rising COVID cases in Alabama the family made the difficult decision to delay a public funeral service. His father, George W. Floyd, always told him that it did not matter how important a man thought he was, that the size of his funeral would depend on the weather – or in his case the pandemic. The family is planning a memorial service at a later date so everyone will be able to safely celebrate the incredible life of George Howell Jack Floyd, our beloved hero.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 115 South Fifth Street, Gadsden, AL 35901.