Ralph Bernard Lloyd

Known and loved by all for his quick wit, hospitality and fantastic home-cooked meals, Ralph celebrated his 93rd birthday at his home on Seabrook Island with beloved family and friends on August 14th, 2024. Following a brief illness, he passed away peacefully on September 17th at Roper Hospital in Charleston.

Ralph was born in 1931 to the late Madge Smith Lloyd and John Cleveland Lloyd in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The youngest of five children, Ralph told the story that his father had been waiting on a brown-eyed boy, and Ralph was it!

After graduating from Cannon High School and serving in the United States Coast Guard, Ralph moved to the mountains where he enjoyed his days as a Catamount, graduating from Western Carolina in 1959. His successful career in the travel and hospitality industry began with a sales role for Delta Airlines. He was later recruited by National Car Rental where he traveled extensively and rose to the position of Regional Sales Manager for the company. Choosing his assignments and geographies wisely, Ralph managed the West Coast from Manhattan Beach, the Midwest from Chicago, the Southwest from Dallas and the Southeast from Atlanta. It was during his time in Manhattan Beach that he met his perfect match, the former Mary Ann Welch! Ralph and Mary Ann married in her hometown of Geneseo, New York on August 20, 1977 , recently celebrating their wedding anniversary.

Following Ralph’s retirement in 1995, Ralph and Mary Ann made another great relocation decision, moving to the beautiful Seabrook Island in South Carolina. There they joined Holy Spirit Catholic Church on John’s Island where Ralph endeared himself to many as an usher and as the man who annually donned the St. Nicholas suit and lovingly listened to the hopes of the children of the congregation. Ralph and Mary Ann have long held their doors wide open, hosting countless parties and family gatherings to the delight of their many friends and family members. Fearless in his culinary pursuits, Ralph’s ‘pig roasts’ are legendary!

Ralph will be remembered as a friend to all who knew him, a sports enthusiast who attended hundreds of college and professional games in person and always knew how to find the Duke Blue Devils and Atlanta Braves on Direct TV, a grill master, a man with unparalleled storytelling ability and comedic timing and above all, as the kindest, sweetest soul many of us have ever known.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Mary Ann Lloyd. Forever “Uncle Ralphie”, he leaves behind his adoring nieces and nephews, Lamar Lloyd (Kim), Patti Lloyd Gosnell (Scott), Rusty Rainey (Margaret), Judy Rainey Constantine (Jim), John Alan Rainey (Yong Nim), Timothy Welch (Lynn), Kathleen Welch (Shelley Hearne) Brian Welch (Kristin), many great- nieces and nephews and his dear pup Oliver (with a Twist) Lloyd.

Ralph's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island. A reception, at the Seabrook Island Club, will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by check to the neighbors helping neighbors volunteer organization “ Seabrook Island Village ” 130 Gardner’s Circle – PMB512, Johns Island, SC 29455, or to the Charleston Animal Society .

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.