John E. Lloyd

John Edward Lloyd also known as “Baby Ray”/”Ray” was born March 19,1927 to the late Mrs. Laura Mickle and Reverend Richard Lathan Lloyd. John was lucky number thirteen of fifteen children and was given the nickname “Baby Ray” (after the name of a character in the Dick and Jane Readers) by his sisters. He entered eternal rest on December 11, 2022.

John attended Kershaw County Schools, including Antioch, St. Matthew and Jackson High. Although he grew up during the great depression, he did not want for anything as his father was a farmer, carpenter and minister. In addition to working in the fields, he often helped his father and siblings build houses, a few of which still stand today. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed cowboy movies and getting into mischief with his friends and cousins. He also enjoyed singing and was in a couple of quartets whose music aired on the radio on Sundays.

As a young man, Ray was drafted into the Army and found himself in Korea serving with a tank battalion. After he returned stateside, he re-enlisted and eventually ended up in Airborne training at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. After his time in the service, he returned home but not satisfied with the working conditions he followed big brother Richard to New York. While in New York, he met and married Connie Meeks in October 1956, and to this union, four children were added, Richard, Regina, Clayton, and Na'im (formally known as John, Jr. aka Jake).  They lived in Lodi and Hackensack, New Jersey not far from big sister, Willene Dow.  Eventually the family made their home in Newark, New Jersey. John worked as a chimney sweep for a short time, an iron worker and a manager of a liquor store. Later in life he delivered parts for an auto parts store.

John was a member of Varick Memorial AME Zion Church in Hackensack, New Jersey and served as a senior and district usher. He also was an active member of St. Paul Lodge #7 in Hackensack, NJ. After over 40 years of living in New Jersey, John/Ray returned home to Camden, South Carolina, where he enjoyed gardening, fishing, attending concerts and visiting with family and friends. He moved his membership back to his home church, Emmanuel United Methodist Church, where he served as usher, trustee, was on all the choirs and was a member of the United Methodist Men.  John was a fun-loving, easy-going jokester who never met a stranger. He introduced himself to almost everyone as Uncle Ray.

Left to celebrate his homegoing are his children; Richard Lloyd, Regina (Anthony) Santos, Clayton (Michele) Lloyd, and Na'im Rashid (Adele); grandchildren, Christian Lloyd, Corey Lloyd, Adia Daglow and Ayman Rashid; a special great-niece, Kimberly Henderson. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. He was pre-deceased by twins; his wife; Connie Meeks Lloyd, siblings; Rebecca Lloyd, Isaac Lloyd, Hoover Lloyd, Laura Sutton, Willie Lloyd, Otis Lloyd, Richard Lloyd, Florie Ruth Hyman, Helen Joy, Walter A. Lloyd, Willene Dow, Phoebie Nelson, Thelma DuBois & Jessie Margaret Joy. Uncle Ray will be missed for his gentle loving spirit, easy laugh and fun-loving ways.

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