John Lloyd Jr., has spent a life time serving the
Punta Gorda community in many ways. He always
wanted to make Punta Gorda history and he has. Here is his
story in his own words.
“I was born on June 2, 1954 in Punta Gorda, Florida to
Elizabeth and John Lloyd Sr. I attended Charlotte
High School, graduating in 1972. As a teen I worked for the
McQueen family: John, Bucky and Dr.
McQueen, working as a cowboy, working cows, breaking and
training young horses. I also worked for
most of the ranches in Punta Gorda and Ft. Myers, including
Boots Crane and Lynn Brewer. They were
like fathers to me. The McQueen’s, Mr. Brewer and Mr. Crane
taught me the meaning of being a man
and good cowboy – they were my role models. They taught me
how to rope a cow and pop a mean bull
whip. Till this day I pop the whip in all Punta Gorda
parades.
I started working for the city of Punta Gorda in the water
department. At that time only one black
person ever worked in that department and that was John
Lloyd Sr., my Dad. I worked my way up to
utility supervisor over water and sewer divisions. I earned
several awards from the city manager and
city counsel. I worked 44 years for the city, retiring in
2017. When I retired the city named a day in
July, John Lloyd Day.
I was known for Big John’s BBQ, cooking for over 40 years
for most of the people in the County. I helped
start a program called “For the Love of Kids” designed to
help feed children. I was the first black reserve
duty officer under Sheriff Glen Sapp. I started the mounted
horse patrol for the sheriff’s office. I am
known as “Big John” around town and I give all to God,
knowing without him I would be nothing. I also
give thanks to so many friends and business men and town who
helped me so much along the way and
also to the members of the Arcadia Saddle Club and the
Chaplain of the Club.”
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