William Benjamin "Ben" Floyd, Jr.

William Benjamin “Ben” Floyd Jr., 84, of Malone, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by his family singing praises to the Lord. Ben was born on March 29, 1941, at the family home near Malone and spent most of his life in Jackson County, Florida. He began his career driving a truck for Green Jordan in Malone before moving to Ashford, Alabama, where he met his lifelong love, Ms. Shirley Faye Locke, and began their family. In 1971, he returned to the family farm and was proud to tell anyone who would listen that the Lord had blessed him to raise 50 crops and 3 boys.

Those who knew Ben knew that Mrs. Shirley was the center of his world. Their special love and humor were always on display for family and friends who frequently gathered at the Floyd Eating House on Old US Road for a meal, a cup of coffee, or a competitive game of dominoes. After the boys moved out, Ben and Shirley dedicated their time to serving at Friendship Baptist Church, traveling in search of a southern gospel sing, or discovering a new place to eat—always in the company of treasured friends.

Ben was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley; his parents, W.B. and Mamie Lee Floyd; and his brothers, Marvin Lewis Floyd and James Floyd.

His faithful and loving legacy continues through his three sons: Holt and Scarlett Floyd, Hank and Lisa Floyd, and Jamie and Kim Floyd, all of Malone, FL; his sister, Ann and Larue McWaters of Shelbyville, TN; his sister-in-law, Elsie Howarth; and his dear friend, Dorothy Long of Cottonwood, AL. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Kacee Floyd, Kayla Floyd, Karlee Floyd (Dillon), Harrison Floyd (Ruby), Caroline Floyd, Storm Floyd (Baylie), Spencer Floyd (Mikaelin), Megan Hobbs, Gannon Baxter (Crystal), and Lindsey Kepner (Jonathan); and ten great-grandchildren: Kamdyn Tew, J.C. Pittman, Hailey Hobbs, Gracie Hobbs, Harvey Burnsed, Hayes Floyd, Kash Kepner, Cori Kepner, and Grayson Baxter.

The family welcomes friends for visitation on Monday, March 23rd, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the family home located at 5894 Old US Road, Malone, FL 32445. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Friendship Baptist Church with Reverends Nash Willis and Van Clack officiating. There will be a time of viewing from 12 noon to 12:45 PM at Friendship Baptist Church prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to special caregivers Peggy Wilson, Kayla Floyd, and Emerald Coast Hospice for their love and compassion during Ben’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ben to: Friendship Baptist Church, 5507 Friendship Church Rd, Malone, FL 32445 or Emerald Coast Hospice, 3015 Jefferson St., Suite C, Marianna, FL 32446.