Gary R. Floyd (71) of East Prairie, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 26, 2023, at Southeast Health in Dexter, MO.

Gary's dream was to be stranded on an island or in the wilderness where he could survive on the land and live in peace. However, Gary was never alone and lived surrounded by those who loved him for all the roles he served in their lives. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He never met a stranger and greeted everyone with kindness and a smile.

Born on May 28, 1951, in Gideon, MO, to Martha and Willard Floyd, Gary was the epitome of a cotton-headed adventurous boy who loved to fish and spend his time outdoors. After high school, he served as a military policeman in the United Sates Army. He spent more than 40 years working with his father in their construction business, Floyd Construction. A true craftsman, Gary took great pride in the quality and individuality of his work. Most recently he worked as Maintenance Supervisor for DeWitt Company in Sikeston, MO.

Gary was an extremely talented artist and was one of the best partners in Pictionary. In his younger years, he would spend his free time restoring his favorite car, the Corvette. A man of many facets, Gary had a passion for weightlifting and physical prowess, yet he also possessed a keen fashion sense frequently wearing his favorite design, the camouflage shirt. He was a food connoisseur partaking in delicacies such as pickled pig's feet, olive and pimento loaf, mixed nuts, and only the finest Log-O-Beef. Bilingual, he not only spoke English, but he was also fluent in Papa language. He was the epitome of a hard-working tough man, legitimately duct taping his sawed fingers in place so he could finish his workday. His granddaughter describes him as the man with the roughest hands yet the gentlest heart. He was an avid gun collector and found great joy in bargaining for a good trade. He had an amazing voice and taught himself to play the piano and guitar. Those talents were used to lead his church in worship as well as soothe his young daughter to sleep at night.

At the time of his passing, Gary was a loving husband to Cindy (Holland) Floyd of Bertrand, MO for 38 years. He was a beloved father to his daughter, Heather Schroeder of Newburgh, IN. Although it was tough to give her away, he informed his son-in-law Chip Schroeder that there were no refunds or exchanges on the day of their wedding 30 years ago. Gary was also dedicated and showed great love to his stepdaughters Brittni Walker and Ashli Jenkins (Todd Jenkins) of Sikeston, MO.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Floyd, his father, Willard Floyd, and his baby brother, Richard Eugene Floyd.

In his dedication and unconditional love for his family, Gary made a generational impact on so many lives around him. He is survived by his two sisters Max Ann Eftink of Benton, MO and Barbara Floyd Adams of Sikeston, MO who knew him as their loving Bubber. He was blessed to be Papa to seven granddaughters: Lauren Wurdeman (Andrew), Katelyn Freimiller (Jake), Madelyn Brown (Joshua), Allyson Schroeder, Megan Sutton, Brianna Hillyard, and Madyson Walker. There are seven children who knew him as a GREAT Papa: Eowyn Wurdeman, Arlo Freimiller, Kendalyn Sutton, Emersyn Sutton, Jax Sutton, Teagan Sutton, and John Ellis Childers. He has numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members who will love and miss him dearly.

His master said to him, "Well done my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:21 ESV

Gary, Dad, Papa….May Jesus welcome you with open arms and grant you peace in Heaven.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston. Don Brown will officiate.

Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m., at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, MO with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wind River Ranch Healing Warriers. https://www.windriverranch.com/ministry/healing-warriors/