John Lloyd Koelz

John Lloyd Koelz, a devoted father, beloved grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, in Southaven, Mississippi, at the age of 93. The son of Albert Rudolph and Ethel Lee (Acree) Koelz, John was born on June 9, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew to embody the essence of a life well-lived, filled with love for his family, faith, and the outdoors.

John’s professional life was marked by his dedication as an attorney in downtown Memphis, a role he embraced with passion and integrity after earning his Doctorate from Memphis State University in their inaugural law class. Beyond the courtroom, John was a man richly layered with interests and talents. Serving in the United States Navy Reserves, he carried with him a strong sense of service and duty that resonated in all areas of his life.

His greatest fulfillment came from family; John was a devoted father to his children, Linda Douglas (Terry), Susan Hardy (John), Jennifer San Nicolas (Edwin), and John Lloyd Koelz, Jr. (Andrea). He also reveled in the joy of being a grandfather to ten grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 26 great-grandchildren. There were no bounds to his pride in knowing that his family shares a deep faith. His legacy lives on in the hearts of many, strengthened by the strong spiritual foundation he instilled in them.

John’s warm personality and infectious humor lit up any room he entered. He was known not only for his big heart and generous hugs but also for his unwavering faith and commitment to the Lord. He was a pillar of strength within his family, often described as the family rock whose love and guidance knew no limits. In his earlier years, his time was spent in devotion both on Sunday mornings teaching his Sunday School class and singing in the church choir, enriching the community around him through music and fellowship.  He loved and cherished his current church family at LaBelle Haven Baptist Church.

John had a profound appreciation for the great outdoors. He pursued his passions for hunting and fishing, often creating lasting memories during family vacations. The joy he found in nature mirrored the love he held for animals and exhibited during his time spent in the woods. He was also a gifted handyman, skilled mechanically, always ready to lend a hand or share his knowledge.

His extensive family includes his dear sister Ethelda Williams, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will carry forward his memory and the lessons he imparted. John is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Willie Mae Koelz, and siblings Acree Koelz, Wilhemina Koelz Doris, Mary Jane Koelz, Edward Koelz, and James Koelz (Byron).

The funeral service to celebrate John’s remarkable life will be held on December 22, 2024, at LaBelle Haven Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Visitation will start at 2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM. John will then be laid to rest at Twin Oaks Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home at 4:30 PM.

In this time of homegoing celebration, we gather together to celebrate John’s heavenly reunion with Jesus and his family that went before him, but also to remember the joyous moments he shared with each one of us. As we carry his memory forward, let us cherish the values he embodied—faith, love, and a zest for life that inspires us all.

Memorial donations may be made to LaBelle Haven's Grace Haven Respite Care or LaBelle Haven's Building Fund.