Lloyd Nelson Race

Lloyd Nelson Race (1942-2025), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and family member, passed away peacefully and entered eternity with his Savior on June 28, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on September 7, 1942, in Winter Haven, FL, to Austin Thomas and Fannie (Brogden) Race, Lloyd lived a life committed to family and to service in his church and greater community.

Lloyd was the faithful husband of Eileen Brown Race, his wife of 52 years (deceased in 2020), and a devoted father to Lloyd Jr. (Lana) of Birmingham, AL, and Austin of Winter Haven. He was also the very proud grandfather of Griffin and Graham Race, a loyal member of a beloved, large family, and a good friend to many.

Lloyd grew up in Winter Haven, FL, and was a 1960 graduate of Winter Haven High School. While serving in the U.S. Army from 1961-1968, he also attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL and graduated in 1967 with his B.S. in Environmental Science. He took a different direction after graduating and upon completing his real estate appraisal license, worked with a residential appraisal firm in Orlando. In 1981, he returned to Winter Haven and formed Race Realty where he had a long career in residential and commercial appraising.

Lloyd’s life was a testament to his love for and service to the community through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Rotary Club, as well as through countless acts of kindness by taking care of neighbors’ and often strangers’ needs. He was always drawn to helping someone out that found themselves in a bad place and wanted to do his part to encourage them.

He was known for his enjoyment of the outdoors while hunting and fishing, for the joy he always found in playing classical music and singing hymns, and for his enthusiastic support of a good Florida Gator game with a booming “GO GATORS!!!”.

A celebration of Lloyd’s life will be held on July 28, 2025, at St. Paul’s Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Benevolence Fund at St. Paul’s Church, Winter Haven. Visitation with family will start at 12:00 and the Memorial service will begin at 1:00.