Loyd Andrew Young, 85, husband of Betty Moore Young, died on Friday, February 10, 2017, at Palmetto Health-Tuomey.

Born on May 10, 1931 in Norman, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late Oscar A. and Jewell McHughes Young. He was educated in Oklahoma, where he attended public schools and the University of Oklahoma, lettering in Sooner football. Proudly serving his country as an air policeman in the US Air Force, Loyd went on to wear many other hats. He retired as a long time employee of Farmers Telephone Coop., the pit gate manager at Sumter Rebel Speedway, and as a faithful employee of Roofco, Inc. of Sumter. He was a member of the Sumter Elks Lodge #855 and the American Legion Post 15. Loyd enjoyed many pastimes, such as Atlanta Braves baseball, working in the family garden, and fishing all over the southeast. He lended his enthusiasm to the Sumter County Democratic Party, as a loud and proud supporter, as well any other issue, political or otherwise, worth writing a letter to the editor over. Above all else, “Papa” Loyd’s greatest passion in life was his love for his family and time spent with them.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 64 years, are his children, Thomas Childers (Annette), John Childers (Helen), Brenda Ard, Loyd “Andy” Young, Jr., Ralph Young (Cindy), and Debbie Sisson (Bobby) all of Sumter; 17 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; cherished friends: June Miles, Essie Crosswell, and Phil Leventis; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Hair (Tommy Gene); a son, Jimmy Childers; a son in law, George Walker; grandchildren: Tommy Hair, Jr., Marie Hair, and Patrick Ard; his sister, Elsie Johnson (Merle); and his eternal fishing partner Jackson “Jack” Miles.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel, 515 Miller Road, Sumter, SC 29150.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and following the services, the family will gather at the residence of Ralph and Cindy Young, 2545 Stirrup Lane, Dalzell, SC 29040.

The family of Loyd A. Young would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Palmetto Health Tuomey and Tuomey Hospice for their dedicated care and support through this time.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

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