Biography: PAUL HOWARD FLOYD, beloved big brother, uncle, and best friend, passed away February 10, 2024, at age 72 at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock. He was predeceased by his parents, Jerry and Dr. Bill Floyd of Little Rock, and his wife, Kathleen Karcher Floyd.
Paul was a 1969 graduate of Hall High School where he played the baritone as a member of the band. He was also involved in his community as a young man as a member of the Young Democrats, and he was named Outstanding Junior Volunteer by Baptist Medical Center where he served as a young orderly. One of his fondest memories growing up in Little Rock was becoming a member of the Retreat Singers Folk Group at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. He had many stories about performing concerts and doing service projects with those friends around the United States and in Europe.
Paul graduated from UALR with a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Theater Arts. He was a performer from the age of five when he used to tap dance for an audience. During his early career, Paul proudly served as a Pulaski County Deputy Sheriff. On June 24,1982, Paul married Kathy Karcher, a fellow Retreat Singer. They moved to Houston for jobs in the oil industry, later returning to Little Rock where they opened Faded Fables Bookshop in Hillcrest in 1990. Paul and Kathy shared their love of theater by being involved in many Little Rock Community Theater and Weekend Theater productions during their marriage.
After Kathy passed away in 2004, Paul found solace and support from the community at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, where he was a member of the Vestry and of the Pastoral Care Team. It was at this time that he decided to attend Baptist Health School of Nursing to complete his training to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Paul was dedicated to his work as a nurse, serving disabled veterans in his work on the Rehabilitation Unit at Ft. Roots VA Hospital in North Little Rock.
Paul had numerous hobbies and interests that colored his life. As a boy, he was a fan of the Three Stooges, and with the help of his grandmother he began a correspondence with Moe Howard. He was particularly interested in classic horror movies and their stars. Paul loved to hunt and fish with his father and grandfather. He cherished memories of the Floyd family annual ski trips to Snowmass. He enjoyed playing slots, and he usually won. Paul had a soft spot for all animals, particularly the many rescued cats that he adopted throughout his life. In everything he did, Paul strived to promote a kinder, fairer, and more peaceful world.
Paul is survived by his twin sisters whom he adored, Madeline Floyd and Stephanie Floyd Purifoy, both of Little Rock; his nephews, Philip Purifoy of Little Rock, and William Purifoy of St. Louis; and his longtime sweetheart, Amanda Nixon White of Little Rock. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Reuben Clough for his unwavering dedication and compassionate care of Paul for the long duration of his illness.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 12415 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72223, saintmichaelslr.org; or Care for Animals, 5516 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72207, careforanimals.org. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com