I attended John Floyd's funeral service today..........

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 14 Aug 2012 12:44 pm

and it was one of the nicest services I've ever attended. It was held at the Alfred G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Va. It was presided over by a retired US Navy Chaplain, Capt. Phil Holwager who did an outstanding job.

First off was the honor guard which I was kind of unsure of at first. When I arrived I saw about ten Harley Davidson motorcycles parked by the pavilion. I didn't think ol' John knew any "bikers" to speak of so I was wondering what that was all about as they looked like a bunch of "Hell's Angels".. They turned out to be a Vietnam Veterans group who just happened to be bikers. They were in their "leathers" and all and did a very nice job in their part of the service....

There were three active duty US Navy petty officers in dress whites there, one of which played "Taps" on the bugle and did a beautiful rendition I might add. The other two did the US Flag folding ceremony and presented the flag to John's youngest daughter who was on the verge of tears. She was very close to her dad as he'd raised her and her brother by himself with no help from their mother. I felt very bad for her.....

Next up was the Masonic Rites of which I was a part. They were performed by the funeral committee of Masonic Distric #33 in Suffolk, Va. John was a North Carolina Mason and several of those Brothers were in attendance and helped with the ritual themselves.

The retired Navy Chaplain then came back and told the people some of John's history and such and talked a lot about his music and things that the family had made him aware of. As far as funeral services go, it was a good one (if there is such a thing)... The Chaplain and others focused mostly on John as I believe they should have. I'm sorry he's gone and won't be back. The family has viewed the post(s) on the SGF and are very thankful to everyone for the kind words and thoughts..........JH in Va.

bruce fischer · Post by **bruce fischer** » 14 Aug 2012 1:07 pm

prayers and comfort for johns family & friends.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 16 Aug 2012 4:57 am

Jerry,Thank you ever so much for all the info..I'm not a person who gets very tearful but in reading your post, I have..I would like to mention that you have shown what true friendship is..The great efforts you made from the long distance you live apart to be there for John..That deserves notice..I'm ever so proud that John recieved the Masonic brothers and full Military honors at burial..And that fellow Nam Vets continue to leave no one behind..God Bless you brothers..

R.I.P. 8/7/12

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 18 Aug 2012 5:53 am

Thank you for sharing the details of John's service, Jerry.
May he rest in peace....

Joe, thanks for the picture.

Jimmy Campbell · Post by **Jimmy Campbell** » 18 Aug 2012 4:15 pm

Rest in Peace Brother John.

Bill Stafford · Post by **Bill Stafford** » 26 Aug 2012 4:28 am

Jerry, thank you so much for posting the description of John's ceremony and funeral. John was one of my best friend's from our music and navy days.
Glad to see the Harley Davidsons there as John and Curly had those in common with their music.(Curly and John fully understood and liked each other). John played bass like Curly played his steel guitar, and was on top of every note and chord change that was coming his way. It was a delight to have him leading the way with his bass playing on all the band stands that I enjoyed his presence. John was one of the very best Sonar Technicians the navy ever had. He could repair any electronic item even if there was no tech manual.
I am so sorry that I was not able to attend his funeral. He will be missed for a long time. Now, rest in peace my dear friend.
Bill Stafford