J. Loyd Landrum

J. Loyd Landrum passed away surrounded by his loved ones, on October 7, 2016. Loyd was born July 26, 1931, in Atlanta, GA to the late Rufus W. Landrum and Ann L. Landrum. He attended the University of Georgia, and was a proud member of the Redcoat Marching Band, where he met his future wife, Mary Elton Landrum. He graduated in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a minor in piano, and was commissioned into the United States Army. He served as an Infantry Officer from 1953-1954.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Loyd attended the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Louisville, KY. He earned a Masters in Church Music in 1957, and served as Fellow to the Dean of the Music School in 1956-1957 before being called to serve as a Minister of Music for congregations in Charlotte, N.C., and Jacksonville, FL. In 1966, Loyd arrived in Macon, GA, to serve Vineville Baptist Church. While at Vineville, Loyd was named Outstanding Minister of Music in the Southern Baptist Convention. He served as the Vineville Minister of Music until his retirement in 1996. After retiring, Loyd was named Minister of Music Emeritus at Vineville Baptist Church. Since 1996, he has served seven churches throughout Georgia as an Interim Minister.

Outside his active role at Vineville, Loyd made many contributions to the Macon community. He was one of the founders of the Macon Symphony Orchestra and the Macon Civic Chorale. Loyd was the Symphony’s Board of Director’s first president, conducted the Morning Music Club Christmas Chorale 8 times, and taught Church Music at Wesleyan College from 1974 to 1979. Additionally, Loyd served as a choral consultant for Bibb County Schools from 1975 to 1982.

Loyd is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Mary; children, Tom Landrum, John (Ann Marie) Landrum, and Lynn (Tom) Landrum Withers; grandchildren, Allison Withers, Thomas Withers, and Bailey Landrum; and great-grandchild, Emily Grace Coleman.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 8th at Vineville Baptist Church from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery on Sunday, October 9th at 2:00 p.m. for family and friends. A Memorial Service celebrating Loyd’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Vineville Baptist Church, with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to the Music Ministry, Vineville Baptist Church, 2591 Vineville Ave., Macon, GA 31204, or the Macon Symphony Orchestra, 400 Poplar St., Macon, GA 31201.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.

Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.