Lloyd Ray Burns

Lloyd Ray Burns, Age 65, went home to be with his lord and savior Jesus Christ on March 23, 2026 in Las Cruces, NM after a long fight with heart and kidney failure.

Lloyd was born October 9, 1960 in Clovis, NM to Gene and Patti Burns (nee Mardis). Lloyd and family moved to Las Cruces when he was 5. He attended Alameda Elementary and Alameda Jr. High School. Graduating from Mayfield High School in 1979 where he make many life long friends.

He attended Denver Automotive Trade School and worked many years as a mechanic. One of his favorite jobs was as a bouncer and manager at the Desert Sun. He worked 14 years as a detention officer at Dona Ana County Detention Center. Then as a security officer DACC satellite campus in Hatch.

Lloyd loved listening to and dancing to classic country and western swing music. Among his favorite memories was chauffeuring his dear friend, Jimmy Tomlinson to gigs across New Mexico and west Texas, at one of which he met Ray Price. His labor of love was trying to teach his wife to dance.

Lloyd met his soulmate and love of his life, June Gard, in 1980. They reconnected in December of 2013. On Feb 24, 2014, they met to have a drink and catch up on the past 35 years and never left each others side after that.

His proudest accomplishment was helping to raise their granddaughter Brynlee Ray for 2 & 1/2 years. He loved that they shared the same middle name and beautiful blue eyes. He taught her to dance and the love of western swing. He was her Bear-Bear.

Lloyd was a proud American, proud New Mexican and a proud resident of the Hatch valley. He promoted it wherever he went. He served as a trustee for the Village of Hatch and later served on the Planning and Zoning Officials.

Lloyd never met a stranger and would visit with anyone young or old.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Patti (Mardis) Burns, one brother Garry Burns, two sisters Leigh Davis and Donna Cunningham-Rainbolt.

Survived by wife June Gard of Hatch NM, daughter and granddaughter Kristine and Brynlee Ray Sinclair of Clayton, NM. Brother Larry Burns of Las Cruces, NM Neice Krystin Cunningham and her son Bennett of Amarillo, TX. Brother-in-laws Rick Cunningham and Bobby Rainbolt. Many lifelong friends precious companions Cheyenne Sandy and Mr. Bojangles, whom he loved dearly.