LT. Colonel Gerald E. Loyd

LT. Colonel Gerald Edward Loyd, aged 83, went peacefully to the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026. He was born on April 19, 1942, in Amity, Arkansas, and at 16, met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Katie Hays. They were married on June 12th, 1965.

Gerald attended Henderson State Teachers’ College in 1960 on a basketball scholarship and became an ROTC member there, eventually being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the regular United States Army at his graduation ceremony in 1964.

He served in Vietnam and later in Korea. Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2002, he totaled 13 years active duty and 15 years in the Army Reserve. Gerald was also a coach and teacher at Amity High School for two years, followed by 21 years of teaching at Henderson State University. He retired from Henderson in 2005.

Throughout his life, Gerald enjoyed a good game of basketball. He also highly enjoyed walking in the woods, as well as felling and skidding pine logs with his tractor.

As a young man, he dedicated his life to the service of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He served Him faithfully as husband, father, deacon, Gideon, and a helper in the community. He was always active, even in retirement, maintaining cemeteries, delving into genealogy, and setting up an ROTC scholarship at his alma mater and former employer, HSU. He was also a key member of a committee whose work resulted in a Vietnam memorial dedicated to Henderson ROTC graduates killed in Vietnam.

Preceding him to glory were his parents, Lawrence Edward and Pearl Loyd, sister Helen, and four preborn great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathryn Hays Loyd, a sister, Virginia Woodson, three children, Lynna McWilliams (Gary), Paul Loyd (Andrea), Jerry Loyd (Tonya), seven grandchildren: Allie Loyd, Katie Beth Felton (Hank), Annie Simmons (Josiah), Andrew Loyd (Autumn), Bonnie Allen (Cameron), Ellie Jerzak (Bryce), and Mandi Loyd, and two great grandchildren, Vivian and Maverick Felton.

The family wishes to thank The Springs of Hillcrest for the diligent and professional care they provided. Gerald leaves a legacy of faith, which means we will see him again. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 02, 2026, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Amity, Arkansas, with Bro. John McAnally officiating.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Monday at First Baptist Church, Amity, Arkansas.

Guest Registry can be found at www.smithfamilycares.com