Obituary: Lloyd F. Cummings, Jr.
Lloyd F. Cummings, Jr., 86, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026. He was the son of the late Maude Wells Cummings Chastain and husband Claude Isham Chastain. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brothers-in-law, Alice Faye Stroud Boone and husband Lawrence and Ned M. Stroud, Jr. and parents-in-law, Ned M. Stroud, Sr. and Elsie Croom Stroud.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Judith Ann Stroud Cummings of the home; daughter, Sheryl Ann Cummings Clifton and husband Billy of Stokes; grandchildren, Dr. Ann Wells Clifton and husband Dr. Blake Farman of Ruston, LA and their daughter Brooke Elsie Clifton Farman and Holton Lloyd Clifton and wife Haley and their daughters, Hadlie Joy and Hastyn June of Robersonville; sister-in-law, Vicki Stroud Heath and husband Donald of Ft. Barnwell and Linda Lee Stroud of Kinston; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Lloyd retired from DuPont in 1998 after 38 and half years of service. In December 1961, he met his future bride, Judy Stroud at Carlyles Drive In. After a brief courtship, they were married on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1962. From this union came their beloved daughter, Sheryl, who quickly became his pride and joy. He was completely devoted to her, and they have remained close through the years. As a family, we enjoyed many weekends and vacations camping and boating with friends at Kerr Lake and Emerald Isle.
Llyod truly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially at softball and baseball games watching Ann Wells and Holton play. Vacations he and Judy spent with Vicki and Donald were special to him whether in the mountains or at their “happy place” Ocracoke. Life has been good for the Cummings family.
Lloyd was always from an early age an avid sportsman. He played baseball from little league through high school. He was known as an outstanding “left-handed” 1st baseman for the Grainger High School Red Devils baseball team. He later became an avid golfer. He often said it was never too hot or too cold, never rained too hard or snowing too deep to keep him from joining his friends at Falling Creek Country Club for a round of golf.
At his request, no formal service will be held. The family will receive family and friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Garner Funeral Home and other times at the home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Tanglewood Cancer Support Group, c/o Tanglewood Church, 2103 Rouse Road, Kinston, NC 28504.
A special thank you to the entire staff of Pruitt Hospice. They were with us throughout this journey and served us with professionalism, love, and kindness. Also thank you to Dr. Steven Hamstead who was with us from the beginning.
Garner Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
On-line condolences may be sent to garnerfuneralhome.com
