Arthur "Loyd" Nesmith, Jr.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 1, 1944, and was the oldest of three siblings raised by Arthur Loyd Nesmith, Sr. and Joyce Lorene Nesmith. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary Nesmith. He is survived by his wife, Caneil; two sons, Jay (Amy) and Patrick (Ginger); five grandchildren, Harrison, Colin, Bailey, Maddy, Benjamin; brother, Tim Nesmith (Sheri); niece, Britney Nesmith Cryer (Adam); nephew, Joel Nesmith (Pam); and several great-niece and nephews, along with two loyal pets, Mac the dog and Pickles the cat.

Loyd graduated from West End High School in Birmingham, Alabama and Florida College. He was a Sergeant in the Marine Reserves for six years and spent 27 years as a firefighter and paramedic with Birmingham, also working as a paramedical examiner, helping others and working closely with family members. When he was not working or spending time with his family, he was hunting or creating a variety of things in his workshop, which included building dune buggies, bicycles, scooters, and transforming cars into works of art. Loyd was known for his handmade knives, leatherwork, and jewelry. He was always surprising all the children he knew and loved with handmade trinkets of bracelets, necklaces or keychains.

Loyd loved helping others and was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed help. He was known for making all those around him laugh and loved nothing more than joking with the youngest ones in the family. Loyd loved his daily bowl of ice cream and receiving gifts of chocolate from his grandchildren. He became a Christian when he was young and was an active member of Helena Church of Christ for many years. Loyd was greatly loved and respected by his family and all who knew him.

There will be a celebration of his life on Monday January 15, 2024, at Southern Heritage in Pelham, Alabama. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m. with the service to be held at 11:00 a.m.