Reproduced Courtesy of Greenville Advocate

By Duane Reeves

As he had done so many times during the past 70 years, Ralph J. Loyd climbed into the driver's seat of one of the Greenville Fire District trucks, drove the truck out of the fire house and headed for a fire call destination.

Only God could know that this was the last time "Ralph" would answer bell.

About 10:30 a.m. on January 28th, the fire department was called to the Hookdal Elevator's Greenville location at the south edge of the city.

Loyd had brought his truck to a stop and was getting out when he was stricken by a stroke. He had been fortunate to enjoy good health during his 90 years. He died 30 hours after having been admitted to Utlaut Memorial Hospital.

Last May, Loyd was recognized for his 70 yeas of service as a fireman durning the Greenville Heritage Day ceremony.

Among the gifts he received was a certificate from the State Fire Marshal's office. Butch Reister, inspector for the office commented that he had presented a number of certificates but never one to a person for 70 years of lcontinuous served as a fire fighter. He also received a lifetime membership in The Gateway Fire Historical Society.

Although he was considered a retired firefighter, he was often present at the fire house when a call would come in. He would often take a truck to a fire and often drove a tanker whenwater had to be hauled to a fire scene. He also drove the trucks in for inspection.

Loyd's firefighter career began in 1928 when he joined Cyclone Hose Co. No. 1, the forerunner of the Greenville Fire Department, just as his father and uncle before him had done.

In 1993 Loyd had been recognized by thge department for 65 years of service and then again last year for his 70 years. In both instances ways had to be devised to require him to be present at the location at the right time because of his adversion to attention. Last may he was assigned to driving the aerial truck to the downtown location forthe Heritage Day celebration.

Through the years Loyd had provided the current firefighters with a connection to the legacy of the department.

Thursday evenign member os the Greenville Fire District gathered for a memorial service for their fallen commrad. The American flag was lowered to half-staff and a black cloth draped over the door of teh firehouse. The Pocahontas/Old Ripley Fire District members also held a flag-lowering in Loyd's membery.

The Greenville firefighters are palnning a permanent memorial to Loyd at the fire house.