William "Lloyd" Overdyke Jr.

William "Lloyd" Overdyke, Jr.

Shreveport - William "Lloyd" Overdyke, Jr., born December 7, 1970, in Oxford, MS, died unexpectedly of heart complications April 20, 2021 at home in Shreveport, LA. Still waters run deep. Lloyd was a beautiful, gentle, kind man, inside and out. His creativity and inner light shone bright from his days at St. Mark's School, to Middle Magnet. He graduated from Magnet High in 1988. He was a mischievous, but spiritual member of First Presbyterian. Camp Fern was a place Lloyd thrived, especially the year he was chosen Firemaker, and it was a gift he was overjoyed to share with both his girls. He taught himself music, performing with his friends in bands, and enjoying art. His adventurous spirit took him to many different areas of study at many colleges, with travels across Europe. His unique joy, his eye for beauty, and his depth as a listener, made him many dear friends. He found the perfect career path for him, graduating from LSU Baton Rouge's School of Landscape Architecture.

In 2001, at his little brother's wedding, he met his soulmate and best friend. He and Laura-Ashley Allen were married in 2004, and lived in Washington, D.C. for many years. They enjoyed exploring all the culture DC offers. Travels to several continents, and spontaneous weekend outings, were highlights for them. But, every day was special when you were cherished by Lloyd. Soon after his first daughter was born, the family moved back to Louisiana to be closer to family. Lloyd started his own design firm in 2011. He was a talented artist, with an eye for clean lines and detail. The creator of the Shreveport Dog Park, the C.C. Antoine Park, and First Pres's Community Garden, he was proud to share beauty with the public in his hometown. His second daughter was born shortly before his 40th birthday, and now his joy was complete. Lloyd made sure his family was number one, cheering at every soccer game; he was the ultimate gymnastics dad who knew when Piper "stuck the landing." He created scavenger hunts for his girls, giggled with them and their friends, and always cared about whatever they or his wife were going through. His legacy is one of being present, listening, showing love, and making every occasion fun. Lloyd dressed up as the Easter Bunny each year, perhaps breaking a world record for tallest Easter Bunny. Halloween costumes were quite the production; he marched in parades, made costumes for his daughters, and gave those he loved his all. He created music for himself. He was art. And, he was a tremendous partner in life.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Donald F. Overdyke, Jr., his maternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Herbert D. Tucker, and his doting father-in-law, Dr. Thomas V. Allen. Left to cherish his memory, and to attempt to be half as cool as he was, are his devoted wife of 17 years, Laura-Ashley, his look-alike, Lola Holliday, and precious Piper Vivian. He is also remembered dearly by mother, Susie Tucker Canfield (Charles,) father, William Lloyd Overdyke, Sr. (Mitzie,) his adored (and taunted) younger brothers, Jeffrey Tucker Overdyke (Amy,) Bryan deNelle Overdyke (Emily,) as well as his nephews, Jack and Max, who he was so enjoying making music with, and his nieces, Annie and Alice (he was hoping to share tips on being a "girl dad" - a role he loved - with Bryan.) Also, his beloved mother-in-law, Marguerite Holliday Allen; stepsister, Stefanie Petet (Kevin,) and niece Kathryn and nephew Clarke. He also leaves behind many cousins and friends, and his black lab, Ranger, who all miss their favorite play buddy.

Lloyd and his family found inspiration in their church home, St. Mark's, even when Lloyd wanted the music to be a bit less dirgey. A visitation will be held Saturday, April 24th, Noon-2:00, at Osborn Funeral Home. A celebration of a life fully and faithfully lived will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, Tuesday, April 27, 4:30 p.m.

Lloyd's greatest gift to the world, even more than his talents, was his two children. To honor his spirit of giving, in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Louisiana Start Saving Program, PO Box 91271, Baton Rouge, 70821-9271 c/o Piper Overdyke and Lola Overdyke.

His life was too short, but it was really, really good.