Floyd J. Lofton, Jr.

Floyd J. Lofton, Jr., 98, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026.Born on November 13, 1927, in Malvern, Arkansas, Floyd was the son of the late Floyd J. Lofton, Sr. and Lucille Helms Lofton. From an early age, he embodied the determination, curiosity, and work ethic that would define his remarkable life.

Floyd graduated from Malvern High School before earning a degree in Business from the University of Texas at Austin. Later in life, he pursued his true passion and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, proving that it is never too late to follow a dream.

Following World War II, Floyd was drafted into the United States Army. He spent much of his military service in Oklahoma before being chosen to develop, write, implement, and lead an infantry training program in Virginia. His leadership abilities and commitment to service were evident even at that early stage of his life.

After completing his military service, Floyd began his professional career with Gulf Brewing Company, selling Grand Prize Beer under the leadership of Howard Hughes. He later accepted a marketing position with the March of Dimes, a role that eventually brought him to Little Rock, Arkansas.

In Little Rock, Floyd joined John Gilbreath at Arkansas Baptist Medical Center, where he led the public relations division. During his tenure, he founded the hospital system's first publication, The Buzzer, which was published from 1967 to 1969. While working full-time, Floyd discovered what would become his life's calling: the law. Determined to pursue that calling, he enrolled in the inaugural evening class at what is now the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Upon earning his law degree, Floyd worked in the Public Defender's Office under Dick Atkinson before entering private practice. His legal career reached its pinnacle in 1978 when he was elected Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial District of Arkansas, First Division. He served with distinction until his retirement in 1992.

Retirement marked the beginning of another great adventure. Floyd traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting more than 35 countries and embracing opportunities to learn about new cultures and people. When he was not exploring distant destinations, he could often be found enjoying two of his favorite pastimes: fishing and golfing.

Above all, Floyd treasured his family. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering support left a lasting impression on those he loved. He is survived by his daughters, Laurie Lofton of Little Rock and Lindy Harrell (Scott) of Maumelle; grandchildren Abby Powell (Tim) of Calabash, North Carolina, Alex Harrell (Kelsey) of Burton, Michigan, Mary Elise Harrell of Little Rock, Molly Grace Harrell of Little Rock, and Pierce Lofton of Little Rock; and six cherished great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd J. Lofton, Sr. and Lucille Helms Lofton; his stepmother, Dorothy Lofton; and his brother, Buddy Lofton.

Floyd will be remembered for his dedication to public service, his love of learning, his adventurous spirit, and the kindness and integrity with which he lived his life. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the many lives he touched throughout his nearly 99 years.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, in the Student Building at New Life Church, 8000 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118. His Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Judge Floyd Lofton Endowed Part Time Law Scholarship at UA Little Rock Foundation, 2801 S. University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204.