Kenneth Rolland Lloyd

Ken was greatly loved by his parents, Herbert Rolland and Yvonne (Pusser) Lloyd, and his sister, Cheryl (Lloyd) Frazier. He began a life of service early, attending church with his family and developing his lifelong commitment to serving God, his country, and others. As a teenager, he committed himself and his talents to DeMolay, later becoming a 32nd-degree Mason (Linden Lodge - Columbus, Ohio) for well over 50 years.

Upon retirement, Ken became an active participant with the Shriners and Scottish Rite, volunteering as a guide at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Tampa, participating in the miniature car precision team in parades, and contributing to various fundraising projects until his health prevented him from continuing.

Ken completed his undergraduate degree in business at The Ohio State University, remaining a proud lifelong alumnus and supporter. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Ken continued his education and leadership training through officer training at Cherry Point, becoming an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

During his active Marine service, he married and later divorced Ann Bush, and they had two children, Shawn Rolland Lloyd and Amanda Christine Lloyd Love Anderson.

Ken’s deployment to Vietnam was diverted to Puerto Rico as the war changed focus. Ken carried a sense of remorse throughout his life that he was not allowed to serve in the combat zone where some of his best friends and fellow Marines sacrificed their lives. He continued his service as a Captain in the Marine Reserves while completing his MBA at Troy University.

Ken was also a member of his church choir and remained a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. At age 38, Ken met Emma Kathryn “Kathy” Mize Lloyd (born February 13, 1952) at a community Bible study. Ken joined Kathy’s church, choir, and Sunday school class. They were married on November 10, 1984 at Covenant United Methodist Church in Dothan, Alabama, where they had met. Later they had their sons, Andrew Kenneth Lloyd and James Jennings Lloyd, who were dedicated at the same church.

In 1988, the family moved to Bradenton, Florida, for Ken to continue his profession as an Air Traffic Controller at the St. Petersburg Flight Service Station.

Ken flew helicopters and had wanted to become a fixed-wing pilot all of his life. Although he was not able to complete fixed-wing pilot training, he continued his connection to flying through his career with the Federal Aviation Administration. He served many years as an air traffic controller and was deeply involved in his profession as a union representative, a nationally elected officer, and a member of the National Contract Committee. During the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Ken was among the air traffic controllers who helped safely ground aircraft across the United States.

Ken always supported Kathy in her profession and family decisions. Kathy continued teaching music and the arts in Bradenton until her retirement after 45 years of teaching thousands of children, with Ken’s constant support and assistance. Both were active in their professional unions, and their sons have carried on this tradition in their own professional, social, and philanthropic organizations.

Ken was a devoted husband, a wonderful father and grandfather, a beloved son, and a loving big brother. He loved each and every member of his family and all of his little dogs. Focusing on others and their happiness and success made Ken stand out as a quiet force in the background, leading by example. His influence was evident to those he served, and many benefited from his selfless generosity.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Emma Kathryn “Kathy” Mize Lloyd; his children Shawn Rolland & Pam (Wilbourn) Lloyd, Amanda Christine Lloyd-Love-Anderson, Andrew Kenneth & Elizabeth Marie (Strawn) Lloyd, and James Jennings & Valerie Marie (Wood) Lloyd; his grandchildren Kayla Elizabeth Lloyd, Tanner Rolland Love, Thomas “Tommy” Andrew Love, Harrison James Lloyd, and Elinor Kathryn Lloyd; his sister Cheryl (Lloyd) Frazier; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Mark Alan & Bess (Mize) Steetle and James Ralph & Julie (Jenkins) Mize; his nieces Sara Margaret Steetle and Kathryn “Kitty” Elizabeth Steetle; and his great-niece and great-nephew, Vivien Lux Steetle-Chaves and Calvin Daniel Steetle-Chaves.

He will be greatly missed by those who knew him. We are at peace knowing Ken is reunited with his parents and the family and friends who passed before him. He asked for his Mama several times during his final months; we are grateful he is with her once again.

Ken’s interment with United States Marine Corps honors will take place at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Friday, May 1 at 1:30 p.m. Guests are asked to arrive by 1:00 p.m., as the service will begin promptly and last approximately 30 minutes, in accordance with national cemetery guidelines.

Bay Pines National Cemetery

10000 Bay Pines Boulevard North

St. Petersburg, FL 33708

Upon her passing, Kathy’s ashes and spirit will join her dear Ken there.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

(Matthew 25:21)

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ken’s memory to support Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia research.

Donations may be made to:

Alzheimer’s Association – https://www.alz.org/

Parkinson’s Foundation – https://www.parkinson.org/