A Crisis Happened, So Here I Am, My Dad Died Suddenly Today
My last word early this morning was that I would be off-line unless a crisis occured. One did today… a major one to me… my Dad died suddenly at an estimated 10:00 a.m., November 17. I got the call this morning at approximately 11:00 a.m. My sister found Dad lying in his favorite chair sometime around 10:30 a.m. He looked like he was asleep, and he was… asleep in Jesus. The ambulances rushed to their home, but Dad was gone.
I sat shocked by the news for a few minutes, just trying to mobilize into decision-making. What about my children? Who would tell them? When should I tell Josh since he has a major playoff game– perhaps the biggest of his career coming up on Friday night? Well, Jeana and I tracked to the school, called Nick in Dallas, told Josh the news, and then the news broke out everywhere. A former Pastor, John Ware, who served as the Chaplain of the Oklahoma State Cowboys for years, was in Siloam for his new ministry, "Feed The Children." He felt led by the Spirit of God to come to Shiloh to see Josh whom he had met at Oklahoma State. He was the first to pray for us upon the news. It was sweet and special. Our God is Sovereign.
Due to friends who own Pinnacle Air, we were flown down to Victoria, Texas, arriving here after a 90 minute flight at 4:30 p.m. We got a car, drove to my Mom’s home at Yoakum, Texas (40 miles away), and walked into a house that was vacant of my Dad’s presence. He would usually come to meet us on the sidewalk, watching for us. This time he did not. Those minutes were crushing for all of us to see… my Mom who had been married to my Dad for over 55 years… sitting in a chair… in a daze of loss.
Within minutes we were at the funeral home walking through details, picking out the needed stuff, sitting at a conference table making final decisions. All those years of life, now finalized at a conference table. We walked out of that funeral home, knowing my Dad’s body is there alone. Even as I write about it hours later at 10:05 p.m., I am overwhelmed with that thought. Family here, Dad gone. Family together, Dad alone (that is his body).
The Memorial Service will be at the local Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. His pastor will assist, Nick will pray, Nick and Josh will be one of seven pall bearers, and I will do my Dad’s funeral. This is strange. Dressing to head to Little Rock for a playoff game, ending up writing to inform you of my Dad’s death. One never knows what a day can hold. Oh man, this is really different.
I have already been asked by others "what kind of Memorial could people give to for your Dad?" My Dad’s church, the Austin Street Baptist Church in Yoakum, Texas, is relocating to a brand new site, building the first church building. Dad was so excited about all of it. Last Sunday as one of the church’s deacons, he had a hat and a spade turning up ground in the Groundbreaking. So if you want to express grief or love, give to this: New Building Fund, Austin Street Baptist Church, 107 Austin St, Yoakum, TX, 77995.
My Dad’s name: John Franklin Floyd Sr, 76 years old this past August, Father of 3, Grandfather of 7, and 11 Great-Grandchildren (they all called him "Papa"). No, Dad is not alone at the funeral home tonight, he is alive in heaven with Jesus. Family here, yes he is with family there. The family of God, as well as his family and others who knew the Lord who have gone on before him. May God be praised. Thanks Dad. You’re the man!
Pastor,
Our prayers are with you and your family during your time of loss.We love you, and appreciate all you do. I wanted to drop you a note before we head South to beat Warren.
In His Name
Rick Nancy Sam and Matt Ledbetter
My family and I will pray for your family during this time of loss. I read your blog, and used to be a member of your church. We are thinking of you and praying for you.
Pastor, I’m so thankful that you started this blog and have opened it for comments for this occasion. Know that the Gores have you , Josh, Nick, and Jeana on our hearts and in our prayers. God is so good and I pray that the celebration of your dad’s life is a special time for all of you.
Love,
Christy Gore
We are so sorry over your loss of your father. Please know that Clint, the children and I are all praying for you and your family.
Pastor-
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are in prayer for you and your family. May God’s peace grip your hearts…
Ashley Benningfield
Dr. Floyd,
I am a pastor in Ky. and read your blog daily. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I lost my father unexpectantly as well, so I can sympathize. Know your are in our prayers. God Bless!
Father God, thru the valley of hard times, your presence is great
Thru the times of sorrow, and joy – your love arrives on time, never late.
Lord, touch those who love Mr. Floyd , and let them Sing Praise in Song
Lord Jesus, touch each heart with your power –providing Your comfort, so strong.
Lord, tears are falling, yet Pastor’s father meeting in your presence this day
Joy in knowing you love him, and his following you in faith, in such a special way.
Lord, thank you that you comfort his family, his church family as well
Lord, hallelujah’s reign above for such love for you – angels tell.
As this time goes on, Lord just magnify your great love
Reach into the hearts of the family, sharing peace from above
Lord, bless those who love you with their joy and sorrow
Reminding them of your presence, today, forever, and tomorrow.
Karen Hopkins
Written for the Floyd Family
Pastor – Only He knows what is in store for us and I am truly sorry for you and your family’s loss. The one consolation is that he has gone home to be safe in the arms of his Father and you have that comfort. God continue to bless you and your family.
Pastor,
Please know that the Graves family in Cleveland, Ohio has been and will pray for strength for you. We love you and your whole family. All we can do is grieve with you, and we do. Thank you for sharing your heart so openly.
Pastor,
know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this loss. We love you and your family even though we don’t know them. God Bless you during these trying times. Only God can uplift you all. Prayers be with your Mom also.
Pastor. I love the “tales” of men and women of God who have been faithful in their walk. Your father was such a man.
Your father was a trail blazer. He showed you the path he was taking…and together the two of you have broadened that path into a busy thoroughfare that is followed by many people who come to know and trust Jesus as their Savior.
Pastor,
We moved here over 2 years ago and you and the Church at Pinnacle Hills have become like family to us. We love you very much and are deeply saddened by your family’s loss. I did not know your father but I am greatful for the son he has brought into this world to lead our wonderful church here in NWA. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are not only with you during this time but each and every day. May God grant you and your family the wisdom and clarity needed during this time of your life.
In Him,
Steve and Sonya Wood