Carl J. Lloyd, Sgt. USAF

January 01, 1948 – April 05, 2023

Groton – Carl J. Lloyd, 75, of Groton, passed away Wednesday evening, April 5, 2023, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. He was born Jan. 1, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of John W. and Lois Southworth Lloyd.

After he graduated from Robert E. Fitch Senior High School in 1966, he served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1970. He served with the Strategic Air Command and went to Viet Nam from 1968 to 1969, during the Tet offensive. There, he was a part of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group. His unit was the Green Hornets. Due to his participation in Operation Ranch Hand, he like many others were exposed to Agent Orange and became disabled. The war never ends for them; one hundred percent disabled at the time of his passing; he remained a hundred percent patriot of his beloved United States. After the war, he worked as a chemical operator at Pfizer in Groton, retiring in 2001. Carl was married to Wendy Ferguson Aug. 12, 1972, in Groton.

Besides his wife Wendy, he is survived by his daughter Holly Lloyd Smith of Groton; his sister Kathleen MacDonald and her husband Thom Shipman of Ledyard; his sister Patricia Startz; and his grandson Thomas James Smith II. He was predeceased by his sister Nancy E. Lloyd.

His favorite thing was doting on, spoiling and just being with Wendy, Holly, and especially, his grandson Thomas. He had many hobbies over the years – award winning photography, driving the Groton Ambulance as a volunteer, as well as climbing, rappelling, rock hunting, playing pool, volleyball and horseshoes; however, his favorite “sport” was cruising around in his prize possession, his 2003 torch-red Corvette.

Carl was a man of Honor, Country, Family and Friendship – a selfless son, brother, husband, father and grandfather and friend. He devoted his life to his family’s well-being and happiness. He considered his friends family as well. One way that he will be remembered will be as the one who could always bring comic relief whenever the situation warranted. Carl earned his rest and is now in peace with his loved ones up above.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at noon Tuesday, April 11, at Smith Lake Cemetery in Groton. There are no visiting hours. Donations in his memory may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans Association, Noonan-Cecchini Chapter, PO Box 1006, New London, CT 06320. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory with the family.

Published by The Day on Apr. 9, 2023.