For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.          2 Timothy 4: 6-8

Mr. Lloyd Sylvester Croutch, Sr., was born on April 22, 1927, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to the late Amos Croutch, Sr., and Thelma Herbert Croutch. As a child, he was baptized in a creek off Old Highway 49 on the east side of the road because there was no baptismal pool at the time. He joined Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J. R. Reed, Rev. J. H. Lockett, and Rev. H. B. Black. He continued his faith journey under Rev. D. B. Barnes, Rev. R. S. Walker, Dr. Nathan Walker Jr., and our current Pastor, Dr. Phillip McSwain Sr. As a member, Mr. Lloyd was a dedicated and faithful servant of Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church. He participated in the adult choir, the Male Chorus, the Brotherhood Union, and the Unity Ministry, and he attended Sunday School regularly until his health declined. He served as the church caretaker for many years, knowing where everything was, holding the keys, and knowing whom to call when repairs were needed. During the Juneteenth Freedom Week Celebration, Mr. Lloyd Croutch was honored with a Living Legend Award by the State of Mississippi, presented on June 19, 2024, at City Hall by Speaker of the House and State Representative Jeffery Hullum III, District 119. On September 17, 2025, during our church's 120th anniversary, we recognized Mr. Lloyd as one of the oldest living members.

Mr. Lloyd graduated from Thirty-Third Avenue High School. Afterwards, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from July 19, 1945, to September 5, 1951, earning an honorable discharge.

Mr. Lloyd married his high school sweetheart, Dolores C. White, on August 6, 1950, and two sons, Lloyd Jr. and Warren, were born of this union.

Mr. Lloyd worked at Triplette Day Pharmacy and Phillips Milk of Magnesia Plant before he retired.

Mr. Lloyd joined the Master Masons on January 1, 1955. He served as Worshipful Master of Mt. Olive Lodge #83 for 45 years, served as Worthy Patron of Easter Lily Chapter #440 O.E.S. for over 50 years, and became an honorary lifetime member of Barnett-Lindsey Chapter #83 O.E.S. He was a lifelong member of the NAACP and participated in many other organizations. Mr. Lloyd enjoyed reading the Bible, watching religious sermons on TV, and talking with friends and family members who visited his home.

Mr. Lloyd Croutch was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dolores White Croutch, two sons, Lloyd Croutch Jr. and Lloyd Sylvester Armstrong, and his siblings: Clarence Croutch, Mary Lou Williams, Wilbert Croutch, Andrew Croutch, James Croutch, Thelma Davis, Amos Croutch Jr., Iva C. Miller, and Claude Croutch.

On March 7, 2025, the angels came and called Mr. Lloyd Sylvester Croutch, Sr., home to be with the Lord. He leaves behind a devoted son, Warren Croutch of Gulfport, Mississippi, who provided for all his needs, and a sister, Mrs. Ruth (Larry) Robinson of Decatur, Georgia. He also leaves two daughters-in-law, Mrs. Edna Key-Croutch and Mrs. Robyn Grant-Croutch; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Peggy Croutch and Mrs. Carol Croutch. Additionally, he leaves four grandchildren, Riakos Parish, Bianca Croutch, Shauni Croutch, and Montrey Croutch; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.