It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Jessie Ralph Floyd, age 70, who departed this life on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Archbold Medical Center in Cairo, Georgia. Born on July 20, 1955, in Dale County, Alabama, to the late Jessie O. Floyd and Ouida Mae Collum Floyd, Jessie grew up in the Midland City area near Dothan, where the rolling farmland and close-knit Southern communities shaped his early years.
He spent much of his working life in and around Dothan, employed at Howell Plywood Company and later at Guthrie Wood Works, where he contributed his steady hands and dependable character to the local timber and woodworking industries. In recent years, Jessie made his home in Bainbridge, Georgia, before receiving dedicated care at Pinewood Nursing Center in Whigham, Georgia, where staff and fellow residents came to know and appreciate his gentle nature and ready smile.
Jessie was a man of simple, heartfelt pleasures who found deep satisfaction in the everyday joys that filled his days. He possessed an unmistakable love for good food, especially the generous offerings at Ricky’s Buffet in Bainbridge, where he relished hearty meals and the familiar comfort of a full plate. Whether it was a plate of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or a slice of pie, mealtimes were sacred to him, and those around him quickly learned that calling Jessie at mealtime guaranteed a bright response.
Beyond the table, he delighted in fishing on quiet Georgia waters, listening to his favorite music, and watching videos that brought him laughter and relaxation. A passionate wrestling fan, he particularly admired the larger-than-life persona of “Bad to the Bone,” cheering with enthusiasm during matches and sharing stories about his favorite wrestlers with anyone who would listen.
His faith and church family held a central place in Jessie’s heart. He loved attending services at Climax Baptist Church, where the familiar hymns, warm greetings, and sense of belonging brought him great comfort and joy. The people of the congregation became a second family to him, offering fellowship, encouragement, and the assurance of shared belief that sustained him through life’s challenges.
Jessie’s devotion to church extended beyond Sunday mornings; he cherished the connections formed there and carried that spirit of kindness and appreciation into every interaction. His presence in the pews was a quiet but steady testimony to a life anchored in faith and gratitude.
Family remained the cornerstone of Jessie’s world, and he held his loved ones close with unwavering affection. He is survived by his brother, James Floyd of Cowarts, Alabama; his sister, Virginia Mercer (Perry) of Ozark, Alabama; several cherished nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Rev. Steve Brooks, whose companionship meant so much in his later years.
Though his parents preceded him in death, the love he received from them and the love he gave to his family formed the foundation of his character. Jessie’s loyalty to those he held dear never wavered, and he expressed his devotion in the quiet, consistent ways that often mean the most—through presence, laughter, and a heart always open to those around him.
The communities of Midland City, Dothan, Bainbridge, and Whigham have felt the weight of Jessie’s passing, as have the many lives he touched through his gentle demeanor and genuine warmth. In a world that often moves quickly, Jessie reminded those around him of the beauty found in slowing down to enjoy a good meal, a favorite song, a fishing line in the water, or the fellowship of church. His life, though marked by simplicity, was rich in the things that truly matter—love, loyalty, faith, and the ability to bring comfort to others simply by being himself.