Vernon J. Lloyd, 80, of Lake City, passed away suddenly on Sunday evening, June 13, 2021.  He was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, on August 8, 1940, to the late Stanley and Edith Bennett Lloyd and enjoyed his family life throughout New York State, including Rome, Syracuse and Lewiston, N.Y., prior to his move to North Florida. Vern has made Lake City his home since the early 90s, moving here from Lewiston, N.Y., to become CTO of  PCS Phosphate in White Springs, F.L., prior to his retirement. He and his wife, Maureen Lloyd, were extraordinarily philanthropic and civic minded in Lake City and throughout North Florida, and were involved in countless civic and charitable organizations.

Vern is a past president of the Lake City/Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, an Eagle Scout and dedicated troop leader who received the Lifetime Dedication Award from the Boy Scouts of America. He was later the only male member of ALTRUSA, where Maureen has served as past president, where they affectionately called him an honorary "Altrouser." Vern was a very active member of MOAA, having served as a captain for the United States Army  in the 19th Engineer Battalion. He received many bronze stars for his service, as well as the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honorary Medal, First Class. He and his wife were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake City where Vern was highly dedicated to the Property Committee and actively committed his time to beautify the church, both inside and out. He was also a devoted Deacon for years at the Lewiston First Presbyterian Church in N.Y. Vern graduated valedictorian with honors from every school he attended, from high school, Clarkson University and Buffalo State University where he received his master's in business and remained one dissertation shy of his Ph.D.

He, along with Maureen, were co-presidents of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Suwannee Valley and served as Challengers for all its charitable events. Vern was also on the Lake City Medical Center Board of Trustees, and worked for the American Cancer Society as a Team Captain where he received the High Five Award and yearly performed in Relay for Life. He received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Lake City Elks Club, won Volunteer of the Year at SCORE, Suwannee Valley Chapter, North FL and Central District, was on the March of Dimes Board of Directors winning the Award for Outstanding Service. He was a recognized contributor to the Columbia County Recreational Department and Senior Services, the Special Olympics and Florida Gateway College Foundation. Vern also founded "New York Day" for his own and others' amusement where folks would gather once a year to join in festivities for New Yorkers in the North Florida area, and was a Grand Marshal, along with his wife, of the Rotary Club of Lake City's annual Christmas parade. One of his highest achievements, along with Maureen's, was to receive President Obama's Call to Service Award, which recognizes commitment in strengthening our nation through their volunteer service. Above all, Vern should be forever known for his tireless devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren, his home and his community.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Maureen M. Lloyd; daughters, Jennifer Lloyd of Decatur, GA, and Susan Lloyd of Coconut Creek, FL.; four grandchildren, Alyna Ohanian, Taylor Carson, Bryce Hardison and Lyle Hardison. His son-in-law, William Marc Hardison, and his sister- and brother-in-law, Coleen and Rik Sotire.

A Celebration of Life service for Vernon Lloyd will be conducted on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kenneth Goodrich officiating. The family will receive friends at the church for a time of visitation following the formal service. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations:

United Way of Suwannee Valley, Inc.

American Cancer Society, Florida Division, Inc.

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Inc.

First Presbyterian Church of Lake City

Clarkson University, Potsdam, N.Y.

Altrusa International of Lake City, Inc.

Florida Gateway College Foundation, Lake City, FL

Columbia County Senior Services, Lake City, FL

Alzheimer's Association

Military Officers Association, Lake City Chapter