Wendal George Floyd

Wendal George Floyd of Columbia, South Carolina—formerly of Marion—passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2026, after facing cancer with the same grit, stubbornness, and quiet strength that defined his life.

Born October 15, 1952, in Savannah, Georgia, Wendal was raised in Georgetown and Marion, South Carolina, where he learned early how to work hard, move fast, and tell a good story—skills that would serve him well for the rest of his life. He attended Marion High School and went on to build a long career at Smurfit Westrock in Florence, retiring in 2015, though “retirement” for Wendal mostly meant trading a time clock for a bicycle, a paddle, and a trail.

On August 21, 1976, Wendal married Frances Tyndall Floyd—Fran—the love of his life and, in his opinion, the most beautiful woman in the world. He never stopped believing that, and he never stopped saying it. From that moment on, they were rarely apart. Wendal had hoped to make it to their 50th wedding anniversary this year—he came close, and anyone who knew them would tell you that their love already counted for a lifetime and then some.

Together, Wendal and Fran built a family not just through circumstance, but through choice and devotion. They adopted their son, Adam, who became the center of Wendal’s world. Wendal, who would be the first to admit that academics weren’t his strong suit, took immense pride in Adam’s achievements—salutatorian of his high school class, honors college graduate at USC, and eventually an attorney. To Wendal, none of that was surprising. He always knew his son was capable of great things—he just made sure everyone else knew it too.

If Adam was his pride, his granddaughter Henley was his joy. As his only grandchild, she became his favorite adventure partner, whether she had a say in it or not. Wendal introduced her to the outdoors early—biking together until she outgrew the seat behind him, paddling rivers, walking through the Congaree swamp, and teaching her how to swim, kayak, and love the water as much as he did. More recently, he added “anime fan” to his list of hobbies, happily watching alongside Henley—proving that while he might not have always been academic, he was always willing to learn something new if it meant spending time with her.

Wendal lived a life in motion. He was rarely still—running, biking, paddling the Pee Dee and Waccamaw Rivers, or exploring the natural beauty of South Carolina. He loved the water, the woods, and any excuse to be outside. He also loved a good story—and if you sat with him long enough, you’d hear plenty of them, each one a little better (and occasionally a little taller) than the last.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George (GJ) and Ina Pearl Floyd, and his parents-in-law, Marvin C. and Marjorie C. Tyndall.

He is survived by his beloved wife Fran; his son Adam J. Floyd (Diane Raggo); his granddaughter Henley Tyndall Floyd; his sisters Regina R. Floyd of Columbia and Teressa Jowers (Allen) of Florence; his sister-in-law Dot Skipper (William) of Marion; his nieces and nephews; a great-niece and nephews; and his former daughter-in-law Ashley Floyd.

More than anything, Wendal will be remembered as a man who loved deeply, moved constantly, and showed up—again and again—for the people who mattered most. A wonderful husband, a proud father, a devoted grandfather, and a storyteller to the very end.

He leaves behind not just a family, but a collection of stories, memories, and well-worn paths along rivers and trails that will always carry a piece of him.

A memorial service will be held at the home of Stewart and Jane Snowden on the Little Pee Dee River at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winyah Rivers Alliance, protecting the rivers he loved so much.