Thomas Whiteside Floyd

THOMAS WHITESIDE FLOYD was born on June 22, 1949 in Spartanburg, South Carolina to the late Robert C. and Callie Williams Floyd. He began his childhood there, and after a few years, the family relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they now reside. Upon graduating from West Charlotte High School in 1967, Tom attended classes at North Carolina A&T and later at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, majoring in Criminal Justice. Before entering the military, Tom served as a Deputy Sheriff in Charlotte, North Carolina (Mecklinburg County). After retirement, SGM Floyd often remarked, “I’ve been to the mountain top”. His notable and illustrious career spanned twenty-six years of military service, followed by eleven years of government service at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia and Anniston Army Depot.

Tom Floyd was a powerful, persuasive, natural born leader, and an operations officer consummate. As 24th Infantry Division’s Law Enforcement Command Provost Marshal Sergeant Major, he set and prioritized operational and strategic goals, articulating the Commander’s vision throughout Forscom, serving on the Division Commander’s Battle Staff. He was an astute mentor, counselor and advocate to the young Black officers and NCOs with whom he served. As a vital part of Anniston Army Depot’s Operations Staff, and as the Equal Opportunity Advisor to the Depot Commander, Mr. Floyd was instrumental in ushering in a more favorable racial climate. The word on the street at the Depot was, “When Tom Floyd speaks, everyone listens!”

Tom married Regina Massey at the age of eighteen, and to that union a daughter was born, Nicole Elise Floyd. In 1974, Tom was assigned to Recruiting Duty in Sacramento, California, where he met and recruited his present wife, Mari. They were united in holy matrimony at her first Duty Station, 9th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington, on December 30, 1978. To that union, two sons were born, Thomas II and Robert Caleb.

Tom leaves to cherish his memories, devoted wife, Mari, one daughter, Nicole, two sons, Thomas II (Shavonda) and Robert Caleb, four grandchildren, Ryan, Thomas III (Trey), Robert Caleb II (Mom, Keagon), Journey Marie, one sister, Bobbie Floyd-Harris, two brothers, Wiley B. Floyd (Cortia) and Reginald D. Floyd (Daphne), a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws, as well as a host of lasting friends in the profession of arms.

To our “muddy boots” solider, ever in charge, marching to the beat of his own drum, making a difference in the lives of thousands of soldiers on three continents, strong husband, devoted father, loving grandfather, cherished brother and uncle, and dedicated member of his church, you are already missed more than words can convey; salute and farewell, SGM Tom Floyd, til we meet again….

 Service Information