Dr. Lloyd A. Walwyn's Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}The Earliest YearsOn October 13, 1938, on the serene and tranquil Island of Nevis in Bath Village, West Indies, Lloyd Walwyn was born; he was the fourth child of eight born to Frank and Ethelie Walwyn. His family’s home in Nevis was quite modest, but his parents placed a high premium on hard work and academic excellence – two traits which would ultimately propel him to launch a stellar personal and professional career. As a young boy, Lloyd displayed unusual intellectual promise and maturity. His proclivity to study and discovery inspired and nurtured those around him, especially his younger siblings. Throughout his academic career, Lloyd received honors and scholarships. Lloyd attended the St. Kitts-Nevis Grammar School, Basseterre, St. Kitts, and in two years achieved his Advanced Certificate from Cambridge University, London. Early Working YearsIn 1954, Lloyd began teaching various subjects at Gingerland Senior School, and later at the Charlestown Secondary School. Lloyd diligently prepared his lesson plans traveling by bicycle several miles each day to teach school. Lloyd’s father, Frank Walwyn, ran his own tailor shop and eventually opened a shop on another Caribbean island, leaving Lloyd the responsibility of caring for his younger siblings at age 17. He cooked, washed, tutored and gave spiritual instruction. In addition, he also took on several responsibilities at church including Missionary Leader, Adventist Youth Leader, Pathfinder Leader, pianist and Sabbath School teacher. His work as a youth leader earned him the privilege of serving as delegate to the 1957 SDA Youth Convention in Cuba. Meeting His Mate, MarthaLloyd first met Martha Moore, an attractive, feisty, and opinionated girl, at a convention. They kept up correspondence by letter while they lived in the Caribbean. Lloyd later obtained a scholarship to attend college and then medical school at Howard University in Washington D.C. Martha found herself living in New York, N.Y., right after the Communist Revolution in Cuba in 1959. It was fortunate that Lloyd and Martha would be reacquainted unexpectedly at the Adventist church in New York and began their courtship. They continued dating during his college years. To pay his expenses, Lloyd drove taxis, worked the switchboard and worked for a short time as a janitor. Amid the academic stress and financial strain, Lloyd and Martha wed in September of 1961 quickly followed by the raising of three beautiful children: Lorelei, Marc, and Paul. Launch of a Successful CareerLloyd graduated from Medical School in 1967, and subsequently fulfilled a surgical internship at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery in 1972. With three children and a new career, Lloyd eventually moved his family to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he served his country as a military doctor in the United States Army. The family then moved to Madison, Tennessee, where he opened his own medical practice and began performing surgery at the local hospitals. Lloyd quickly gained recognition as an unusually gifted surgeon and the most gentle, caring doctor in the business. His reputation for clinical excellence and his compassion led to numerous leadership positions including Chief of Orthopedic-Neurosurgery Division and President of Medical Staff at Nashville Memorial Hospital, President of Medical Staff of Hendersonville Hospital, and President of Medical Staff of Skyline Hospital. Lloyd’s Thirst for Knowledge and Intellectual ChallengesAs if a thriving medical practice, raising a family, and an ambitious volunteer schedule were not enough work for one man, Lloyd enrolled in law school and graduated with his J.D. in 1984. Three years later, he decided to blend these two specialties and re-enlisted in the US Army as a Medico-legal Consultant and Orthopedic Surgeon in Washington D.C., where he served as a Lieutenant Colonel for two years. His service in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel was characterized by multiple commendations and laudable citations. However, during those two years he became restless working less than 50 hours per week and decided to enroll at the Howard University to obtain his M.B.A. degree; which he acquired in 1989. That same year he returned to his medical practice in Madison, Tennessee. His family is very proud that Lloyd was one of the few Americans to have earned an M.D., J.D., and M.B.A. His academic achievements have influenced his three children, all of who have become well-known lawyers. A Life of ServiceEven with his busy lifestyle, he still found time to devote to his church. He taught adult and children’s Sabbath School, sang in the choir, attended board meetings, and served many years as head elder. Lloyd was a founding member of the Nashville First Hispanic Church, giving his time and means generously, especially in his role as Treasurer for nearly 18 years. Lloyd loved his God, and by Christian extension, loved God’s church and God’s people. Near and far, rich and poor, black and white, Christian and non-Christian; Lloyd loved them all. A Life Characterized by Humor and Unparalleled GenerosityLloyd was known for his quick wit and love of humor. Once, while trimming some bushes near the road in front of his home, a driver stopped to comment on the beauty of the home and asked Lloyd if he were the gardener. Lloyd replied, “No. But I do share the bed with the lady of the house.” He was a gifted story teller and would steer a conversation towards a good joke. He frequently enjoyed embellishing a joke with dramatic flair and would often start laughing before the joke was finished. He loved taking ordinary jokes and modifying them to contrast a reasonable and intelligent Nevisian with a silly Cuban, drawing annoyed protests from Martha. These jokes created an entertaining ethnic rivalry within the home that absolutely thrilled and entertained his children. Lloyd’s generosity and kindness are legendary and he taught others how to live and love as members of the mystical body of Christ. Recounting Lloyd’s generosity, a friend described being in tight financial circumstances when his daughter was born. Lloyd filled up his trunk with six month’s worth of infant formula and delivered it to him. When the very last drop of formula has been used, the father was leaving his house to buy more. Lloyd arrived at that very moment, unannounced, with another six months supply. Another example of Lloyd’s generosity of spirit is evident in a tribute written by Dr. and Mrs. L. Ruby Broomes. Lloyd came to their aid in several ways. For example, during Lauvenia’s hospitalization at Hubbard Hospital in 1975, he brought her a television to ease the severity of her distress. In addition, his family accommodated their young daughters, Lloyda and Melissa, during those dismal weeks as if they were theirs. These are but two examples among many. Lloyd unassumingly provided clothing, shoes, tuition, groceries, mortgage payments, car payments, bus fares, and airline tickets to countless individuals on so many occasions. Many of these acts of kindness and compassion are still unknown – even to his wife Martha. Only in heaven will the full record of his selfless deeds be revealed.
What’s your fondest memory of Dr. Lloyd?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dr. Lloyd?
Share a story where Dr. Lloyd's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dr. Lloyd you’ll never forget.
How did Dr. Lloyd make you smile?