Johnie William "Bill" Floyd, 90, of Grayburg, Texas passed away on April 12th, 2025. He was born in Beaumont, Texas on October 11th, 1934 to Ira and Ruth Floyd. He grew up in Batson where he fostered a lifelong talent for growing crops, raising animals, and making the most out of what you had. After high school, Johnie Bill enlisted in the United States Army and served as a cook for a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) while stationed in France.
After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he came back to Hardin County. He soon met and quickly fell in love with Claudie Dell Hashaw, the woman who would become his loving bride. They were married on November 1st, 1958 at the First Baptist Church of Batson. They lived most of their lives in Grayburg, a town Johnie Bill was the mayor of for a few years. He worked for Gulf States Utilities and later DuPont as a maintenance supervisor.
For over 66 years, Bill and Claudie made it through all of life's ups and downs, and referred to themselves as "better together." He loved her with all his heart. Bill and Claudie raised four boys, John, David, Gary, and Larry. The only thing more important to Bill than his family was his relationship with Jesus. Johnie Bill and Claudie were members of the Grayburg Baptist Church and later Bevil Oaks Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. His well-worn Bible sat by the back door so he could bring it with him to any service, but also to remind him to walk with the Lord at all times. Heaven has gained a good and faithful servant.
Johnie Bill was a proper country boy - a handyman, farmer, rancher, hunter, and fisherman. He tended and grew the most delicious fruits and vegetables in southeast Texas. He helped build his house. He was a skilled hunter, but fishing was his favorite activity. In his retirement, his truck could often be spotted parked by the canals in China or the bridge over Pine Island Bayou. Bill raised cattle and his sons and grandchildren all showed livestock. Johnie Bill was a tough old man, dedicated to finishing tasks he started. When he was around 80 years old, he and his sons and grandsons were trying to get a bull in a trailer to take to auction. At some point, the bull pulled on the rope and Bill’s finger got caught up. It tore the tip of his finger clear off. That didn’t stop him - his family didn’t know anything had happened until after the bull was loaded up. He was tough, but always kind. He loved his little dogs, Bear, Sophie, and Nugget. He told his family that he loved them every chance he got. Bill was a rare breed: a salt-of-the-earth, hard-working patriarch who loved the Lord, his family, and the great outdoors. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy of quiet resilience carries on in his descendents.
Johnie Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ira and Rub Floyd, son Larry Floyd, and daughter-in-law Angelin Lee Floyd.
He is survived by his wife Claudie Floyd, sister Mary Jordan, sons John (Darla), David (Kay), and Gary (Danette) Floyd. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Lena (Blake) Beals, Kristi Floyd, and Laura (Blake) Christopher, his grandsons Cooper (Krystle), Blaine (Kori), Justin (Amy), Carlton, and Garrett (Olivia). In addition, he is survived by his treasured great-grandchildren, Cooper Jr., Cash, Call, Clara, Dean, Joshua, Deborah, and Grayson. He is also survived by many relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, April 18, 2025 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm. A service of remembrance will be held Friday, April 18, 2025 at 2:00pm officiated by Pastor Keith Herrin at Bevil Oaks Baptist Church, at 7725 Sweetgum Road, Bevil Oaks, Texas 77713. Interment will be at Guedry Cemetery in Batson, Texas.
Honoring Bill as Pallbearers are Blaine Floyd, Cooper Floyd, Justin Floyd, Garrett Floyd, Winston Coates, and John Johnson.
The family extends their sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and memories. We also want to thank the great people at Amedisys Hospice for their care and support during the past few months. If you would like to do something in honor of Bill, please consider going fishing with someone you love. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Bevil Oaks Baptist Church.