Ray Leamon Floyd, 94, of Whiteville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, hand-in-hand with loved ones. He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly and a community filled with people whose lives were better because they knew him.
Born on February 11, 1932, Ray was one of 12 children. He spent nearly his entire life in Columbus County, where he built his business, raised his family, and developed friendships that lasted a lifetime.
At the center of Ray’s life was Bertha, his wife of 72 years. They were partners in every sense of the word. Through more than seven decades of marriage, they worked together, raised their family, supported one another, and shared in everything life brought their way. Their marriage was the foundation of the life they built together, and their devotion to each other never wavered.
Ray was a man of deep Christian faith. He loved the Lord and wasn’t shy about expressing it. Whether through one of his heartfelt prayers or a song that he might spontaneously break into, his faith was simply part of who he was. More importantly, he lived what he believed. He treated people with kindness, gave generously, and accepted others without judgment.
Ray founded Ray’s Nursery Landscaping and spent his life building the business through hard work and determination. Few people worked harder. He was often in the nursery or out working in someone’s yard from early morning until dark. He was known for growing some of the most beautiful flowers – often resulting in customers lined up down the driveway and Smyrna Rd. Rain didn’t stop him, and neither did feeling sick. He believed that if there was work to be done, you did it. His children grew up watching that example, and the work ethic he instilled in them is one of the many things they will carry forward.
Gardening was more than a business for Ray. It was something he genuinely loved, and he especially enjoyed sharing what he grew. He often planted three times more than his family needed, knowing the rest would find its way to someone else’s table. For decades, his collards, cabbage, turnips, and other vegetables fed families throughout Columbus County. So many people knew him for his collards that he earned the nickname “The Collard Man.” It was a name he was known by and a reflection of how much he enjoyed growing things and sharing them with the community.
When he wasn’t tending to his nursery or serving his church and community, Ray could often be found near the water. An avid fisherman, he loved spending time along the local rivers and swamps, frequently slipping away several times a week to cast a line. Few things brought him greater joy than a day spent fishing, and his unmistakable smile was never brighter than when he was sharing stories of his latest adventures.
Ray was active in his church and gave his time to several community and nonprofit organizations, including Woodmen of the World and the Columbus County Beekeepers Association. He also had a way of knowing just about everyone. Going into town with Ray was rarely a quick trip. It wasn’t unusual for four or five people to stop him along the way, wanting to talk or catch up. He always made time for them.
One of the things that defined Ray most was how he treated people. He didn’t judge people by their circumstances, their backgrounds, or how different they might be from him. He believed in treating everyone with the same kindness and respect. His love and acceptance weren’t conditional, and the people closest to him knew that better than anyone. He didn’t just say those things were important. He showed it throughout his life. He truly never met a stranger, and there was always room for one more at his table.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ray gave his family an example of what it meant to work hard, keep your faith, help others, and love people for who they are. He wasn’t a man who needed recognition for the things he did. He simply believed in doing what was right and taking care of the people around him.
Ray is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bertha; his children, Leamon Floyd, Tamra Carter (and her late husband, Rick), Eric Floyd and his wife, Jennifer, and Ethan Floyd and his husband, John Fraser; his grandchildren, Amanda Cribb and her husband, Brooks, Erica Edmonton and her husband, Alex, Sara Glaesner, Allison Glaesner, Haley Kassell and her husband, Aaron, and the late Cody Ryan Floyd; and his great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two siblings, JoAnn Rushton and Morris Floyd.
Ray lived 94 years, and he made the most of them. He built a business, raised a family, shared his faith, and helped more people than we’ll ever know. But what his family and friends will remember most is the way he treated others. He made people feel welcome, accepted, and loved. And he did that consistently, throughout his entire life.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at McKenzie Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Jackie Strickland officiating. Burial will follow in Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 10:45 am prior to the service.
He will be deeply missed by the people who loved him and by the community he called home.
McKenzie Mortuary
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