Parley Spence Lloyd
1911 ~ 2008
Parley Spence Lloyd, 96, passed away May 12, 2008 in Murray, Utah leaving a legacy of righteous living and dedication to his family. Parley was born October 25, 1911 in Central, Idaho the eldest son and fourth child of Parley Lea Lloyd and Janet Spence. Before he was seven years old, his father taught him to drive a team of plow horses and he was happiest with a set of reins in his strong hands. His black pony, Nell, was the fastest in the valley and took him to school in Central each day.
By 12, he was earning a man's wage doing a man's work. And by 16, he capably drove 12 horses that pulled a combine guiding them with the stomp of his foot and 24 lines, stopping onlookers in their tracks. Later in life, he trained Clydesdales and would have liked nothing more than to drive horses until his final days.
He graduated from Grace High School in 1931 and despite the Depression, earned money by logging with his team of horses to save for a mission. He was also the recipient of a perpetual missionary fund set up in his stake where members donated 50 cents a month, which he worked to repay upon his return so other missionaries could serve.
He was called to the California Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arriving in Los Angeles in 1933. His valiant efforts and strong leadership helped establish pioneering branches all over Southern California, where the church has since flourished. He accompanied President Heber J. Grant to organize a stake in San Bernadino - the first of many impressionable minglings with latter-day prophets.
Parley survived a ruptured appendix, mumps, bucking horses and a debilitating back surgery, giving gratitude for his miraculous
recoveries.
He attended Brigham Young University for one year and had seasonal jobs as a salesperson, water master and farm hand.
He married his sweetheart, Ann Packer, in the Salt Lake Temple June 5, 1939 and they raised two children, Karen and Spence. Together they worked a dry/dairy farm in Grace, Idaho on Lloyd Lane.
He faithfully served as a Bishop, High Councilor, High Priest group leader and nearly wore out his voice from a lifetime of speaking in sacrament meetings and at funeral
services.
After retirement, he and Ann settled in Logan where they could serve in the temple. He was called to be a sealer in 1979 and felt privileged to perform so many marriages, including many of his grandchildren's.
They lived for a time in Provo where he enjoyed attending BYU basketball and football games and then in Salt Lake City where they watched the Conference Center built from their neighboring balcony. His indomitable spirit kept him active and always seeking opportunities to serve others. He was appreciated at family reunions as the patriarch of a large extended family.
Parley will be remembered for his sharp-dressed suits and the leather gloves he always wore, even during indoor chores later in life. He loved rocking grandbabies to sleep with his paddy-whack lullaby.
Preceded in death by his angelic wife in July 2005, also preceded in death by one grandchild, one great-grandchild, two brothers, three sisters and one step brother.
He is survived by a daughter, Karen (Gary) Burke and a son, Spence (Sandy) Lloyd, all of Sandy, Utah; a sister, Verna Newell of Alpine, Utah; 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 10 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S. in Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the service beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Burial will be in the Wellsville, UT. Cemetery with a short graveside service beginning at 1:30 p.m. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com