Gregory Alvin Lloid

Gregory Alvin Lloid passed away on December 15, 2023 at his home in Pineville, LA.   His death leaves a massive hole in our hearts.

Born January 10, 1958 to Kermit D and Janie Elizabeth Richardson Lloid in Alexandria, LA, Greg was the definition of the word “GREGARIOUS”, never meeting a stranger and having more friends than one can count.  

Employed as a Certified Biomedical Electronics Technician by General Electric, Greg was based out of Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, LA.  As shop supervisor, he traveled all over Louisiana repairing medical equipment. 

An Air Force brat, Greg lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Hawaii, finally landing in Natchitoches, LA.  Upon graduation from Natchitoches Central High School in 1976, Greg joined the Coast Guard.  Trained in electronics, he worked in communications at small boat stations on the east coast and was stationed on the United States Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis for two years, traveling between Alaska and Hawaii.  He told tales of boarding and inspecting the holds of international fishing vessels in the Bering Sea. 

Upon completing his military service in 1980, Greg returned to Natchitoches, LA and married his sweetheart, Tammy Gibson.  He attended Northwestern State University and graduated in 1984 with an Associate’s Degree in Electronic Technology.  Greg enjoyed Working at the NSU radio station KNWD (Your Mother Wouldn’t Like It) as a DJ, spinning records and hanging out with his buddies.  While in college Greg worked with his dad in Audiovisual and Electronics Installation and Repair.  Upon graduation from NSU Greg joined the repair team at Kelly Ward Music in Alexandria, LA repairing electronic instruments and visiting virtually every electronic organ in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes.  Greg accepted a position as a Biomedical Electronics Technician at Rapides General Hospital in 1988.  He turned down the initial job offer because Tammy didn’t want him to shave his beard, since she hadn’t seen him without a beard since high school.  Clean shaven for a number of years, all was well when the employer’s rules were relaxed. 

Greg had many talents and interests.  He could build and/or repair just about anything.  He made Tammy’s first spinning wheel in his required college woodworking class at NSU.   One of his passions was volunteering at the Alexandria Zoological Park.  With Leslie Whitt, Zoo Director, Greg did anything and everything at the Zoo for more than twenty-five years.  He was a docent, substitute train driver, repaired equipment, constructed habitat, prepared animal diets, and made wonderful Zoo friends.  The special group of Carla Oncay, Flora Luquette, Doris Edwards, and Lee Dufour were known as “Les’ Purple Hooters” (I have no idea why).  The Purple Hooters celebrated many occasions together over the years, particularly at Mardi Gras and Halloween. 

Greg was a voracious reader on many subjects, enjoying Clive Cussler novels.  One of the books in his vehicle at his death was a mythology text.  He explored in his Celtic roots, researching traditions, and even acquiring and wearing a kilt from time to time.   He loved music of almost any genre and enjoyed sitting on the back porch listening to whatever was playing on Red River Radio that evening (usually with a cat in his lap).   His musical tastes ranged from ZZ Top and heavy metal to jazz and soul. 

This wonderful, funny, talented fellow will be missed by his wife of 43 years, Tammy, his daughter, Alyssa Jane Lloid Ramstad, and son-in-law Daniel Ramstad.  Greg is also survived by his brothers Dee Lloid (Nancy) and Carl Lloid (Connie), sister Karla Sue Lloid Autrey (Chuck), nieces Paige Doering (Kayla) and Valerie Smith (Steven Toomey), nephew Travis Lloid, great nephew, Noah Smith, and parents-in-law Robert H. and Billie Gibson.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Kermit D and Janie Elizabeth Richardson Lloid, and sister, Karen Lloid Bond. 

Greg loved life and just about everything.  He loved to cook, feeding the guys at his office, and cooking for the family “Critter Dinner”.  I was so glad when he got too old to re-enlist in the Coast Guard – he perked up every time he saw those watercraft.   Greg was a long-time member of the RRMC Lifesavers rowing team for the Dragonboat Races in Alexandria.    He loved his daughter, Alyssa, more than anything in this world.  He was so proud of her achievements and especially her earning her Master’s Degree in Educational Theory in December 2022.   

The Carpenter’s tune “Close To You” says it best:  On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true.  So, they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold and star light in your eyes of blue.  Rest easy, my love.  Love you forever.  Tammy

Visitation is planned for Thursday evening, December 21, 2023 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA from 5 PM to 8 PM.  Memorial services will be held at funeral home on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 10 AM with internment with military honors to follow at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery.  

        In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Friends of Alexandria Zoo (FOTAZ) in Greg’s name, or to a charity of your choosing.