Earl Maxie Loyd

Earl Maxie Loyd, 84, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away on February 23, 2024, at his residence surrounded by loved ones. He was born on May 25, 1939, to Clifton and Ethel Crye Loyd, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ray, Harvey and Gilbert and son, Paul Loyd, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; brother, Hoyle Dean (Annette); daughter, Becky Smith (Gene), step-son Chris Baranovic; grandchildren, Taelor, Addison, Macee, Melissa, Paul, Jr., Amanda; and numerous great grandchildren.

Earl joined the Navy in 1956 and was assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet out of San Diego, California. His enlistment took him to many places, including Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. When asked if he had a favorite, he said he enjoyed them all.

Earl was raised to be a hard worker. This early training served him well as he went on to become a skilled carpenter, working on numerous jobs in the North Louisiana/East Texas. In the 1980s, Earl moved to the Midland/Odessa, Texas area and then settled in Mesquite, Texas working in the Dallas metroplex area due to no carpentry work to be found in Shreveport. Before that he worked some in Orange, Texas at a shipyard. While living in Mesquite he started his own door company and named it “Mesquite Door and Weatherstripping.” Later changed to “Shreveport Door and Weatherstripping” when they moved to Shreveport, Louisiana. Earl did very well with both businesses.

During their marriage, Earl confided to Kathy that he had built many houses for other people, but never his own. Then, in 2000, his dream came true and he took great pride in building his own home, barn and garage. Until his death, he worked hard to keep his homestead in top shape.

Earl enjoyed being outdoors and riding horses. Over the years, he and Kathy owned several horses and rode them in trail rides and on their property. If you knew Earl, you knew he had an affinity for westerns on television. He often joked that he should have been born during those times so he could be a cowboy.

A memorial service honoring Earl’s life will be held on March 16, at 1:00 pm, at Countryside Christian Church, 7149 Brossette Rd., Shreveport, Louisiana, with Bro. Ted Hardan officiating. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Heart Association or National Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.