Christopher L. Floyd

Christopher L. Floyd, age 78 of Howell, passed away September 27, 2024. Chris was born on January 25, 1946 in Detroit, MI.
In life, Chris left no cards on the table. He dove headfirst into whatever he did. After high school, he spent a few years searching for his calling. He served in the Air National Guard, tried different jobs, and eventually found a career at Detroit Edison. His life changed when he found his true love, JoAnn, a smart, vivacious, and stunning beauty. Chris and JoAnn got married and soon started a family, which gave direction to his youthful energy and drive. He always said one of his best decisions was moving to Dunham Lake, where he built three homes and made lifelong friends.
During his career at Detroit Edison, Chris moved from pole spiker to lineman, to inspector, and eventually to service planner. He took pride in his attention to quality and safety. He built strong relationships with his co-workers, many of whom remained close friends over the years. Edison provided him with a stable and balanced life that allowed him to spend time with his family.
As a father, Chris took a wholehearted interest in his children and their friends. He worked hard to take his family on many trips Up North, to Florida, and on epic Griswold-esque trips Out West, to Yellowstone and all points in between.
Nearing retirement, Chris and JoAnn realized their dream of living on a lake by purchasing a house on Triangle Lake, which they transformed into a beautiful oasis. It provided the perfect place to entertain family and friends, with countless days spent on the deck and cruising in the boat.
Chris had a natural talent for working with his hands. He was happiest in a sawdust-laden garage, working with intense focus on his latest piece of furniture or creative project. He had an eye for art and design, which led to a lifelong passion for woodcarving. He was a longtime member of the Hartland Carvers Guild. Countless people were honored to receive a personalized, themed caricature carving straight from his heart.
Later in life, Chris began carving wooden comfort birds, which he gave to people facing struggles in their lives. His wife's illness inspired him to carve a comfort cross, and in true Chris fashion, he started offering these simple and beautiful crosses to total strangers or anyone in need. His stories of giving a cross to a police officer, a nurse, or a military hero were powerful, giving him a way to brighten someone's day-something he always loved to do. Gifting crosses provided a connection to God and brought him a sense of peace when he most needed comfort himself.
A friend to all, Chris always found time to help a friend in need. He had a gift for making everyone feel like family. His infectious smile and kind spirit could brighten up any room, making you feel like the only person who mattered. His memory should inspire us all to be better people.
Chris was a proud father to Tami and Scott. He was always there to show support, give advice, or make them laugh. A teller of tall campfire tales, he had many kids begging for more!
One of his most important roles was that of "Papa." Chris adored his grandchildren, Lindsay and Brendan, and spent much quality time with them at the lake and at their many sporting and school events. He welcomed many of their friends to the lake for days of fun. He was a very engaged Papa and never missed an important event.
He was the beloved husband of 46 years to the late JoAnn (VanLandschoot) Floyd, whom he married in Dearborn, MI, on April 11, 1970. Loving father of Tami (C.J.) Estes of Wixom and Scott Floyd of Grand Haven. Proud grandfather of Lindsay and Brendan Estes. He is predeceased by Jeff (JoAllison) Floyd and Mary Jo (Jim) Trout. He is also survived by his siblings, Pam Floyd, Gail (George) Baker, Laurie (Gerald) Floyd, Kevin Floyd, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for Chris will be held 3-7pm Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel, 315 N. Michigan Ave, Howell. A memorial service will be held 11am Friday, October 4, 2024 at the funeral home, with visitation starting at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in memory of Chris Floyd to either
St. Jude’s: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8593521&fr_id=154020&pg=personal
or The Nature Conservancy: https://preserve.nature.org/page/81523/donate/1