Lloyd Abney

A resident of Gardendale, Lloyd was born on October 1, 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama. As a young child, Lloyd grew up during the Great Depression and he learned many life lessons which motivated him to be a dedicated, honorable, and conscientious man for the rest of his life. As part of his newspaper route at that time, he would get up at 4am to throw newspapers to his customers—he often talked about how much he enjoyed the responsibility. Later, Lloyd attended Phillips High School before joining the United States Army. Upon deployment, he served his country honorably in fighting the Korean War. Lloyd loved America and was always very patriotic.

As a young man, Lloyd married Wanda Sue Gray and they remained so for more than 60 years. He was always a devoted, loving husband. Wherever Wanda was, that’s where Lloyd wanted to be! Together, they were longtime members of Gardendale First Baptist Church and attended the Goodwill Sunday School Class. Lloyd also served for many years as a church greeter to visitors. Wanda and Lloyd’s brothers and sisters in Christ became some of their dearest friends.

Lloyd loved spending time with his family, and they loved spending time with him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, called “Honey, Daddy, Poppaw, and Pop.” The Lord blessed him with many years on this earth to spend with those he cherished most. He was a kindhearted soul and a gentle man who listened more than he spoke, and his family could always count on him! He was a great role model with a clever sense of humor, a contagious laugh and the kindest heart.

As a master of many trades, Lloyd could do all types of jobs—building, electrical wiring, plumbing, tile-laying, and more. Always a quick learner and a problem-solver, Lloyd was able to adapt to whatever needed to be done. He enjoyed creating and inventing better ways of doing things.

Lloyd was employed by Alabama Gas Company, Alagasco, for over 40 years, which made him very proud. After starting as an apprentice, Lloyd worked his way up to becoming Supervisor of the Training/Safety Customer Service Department before he retired. He was a true “company man.”

Lloyd is survived by his loving daughter Denise Abney Mann and his dedicated son-in-law Oscar Mann; his devoted grandchildren Allison Abney, Lindsey Mann-Badyrka (Jeff), Brent Abney (Tara), Shane Mann, and Jeff Mann (Michele); and his dear sister Betty Anderton. Lloyd considered himself blessed by his many great-grandchildren Alyna Abney, Samson Abney, Lily Badyrka, Joseph “JoJo” Badyrka, Mary Catherine Mann, Maggie Mann, Nate Mann, and Nolan Mann.

He is preceded in death by his wife Wanda, his son Michael Lloyd Abney, his parents Albert Abney and Clara Lamons Abney, and his sister Ann Taylor.

Though we mourn losing him, we rejoice in knowing he has arrived at his eternal home in the presence of our almighty God.

In lieu of flowers, Lloyd requested donations be given to the National Scleroderma Foundation in honor of Wanda.

These gifts can be made online at scleroderma.org or by mail to National Scleroderma Foundation P.O. Box 411533, Boston, MA 02241-1533. Any gifts should be designated to the South Chapter and all are incredibly appreciated by the Abney family.

A visitation for Lloyd will be held Friday, May 30, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM. Lloyd will be laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Gardens, Gardendale, AL.