Dr. Marvin Dale Loyd of Lake Village, Arkansas died July 14, 2025, at age 92, after having lived a full and generous life of service. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 72 years, Marilynn Nisler Loyd. He was born on December 3, 1932, in Little Rock, Arkansas and predeceased by parents Dale Claude and Frances Elizabeth Pearson Loyd, sister Jane Loyd Chesshir, and brother William Pearson Loyd.
Marvin graduated from McGehee, Arkansas High School in 1950, Hendrix College in 1953, and University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, DDS, in 1956. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve (1955-1961), including active duty in the U.S. Navy (1956 – 1958). He continued his military service with the Arkansas Army National Guard (1961-1979), commanding two medical units, followed by service in the U.S. Army Reserve until his retirement as a Colonel in 1993. A graduate of the Army War College, he held senior roles in military dental services, including with the Office of the Surgeon General.
Marilynn and Marvin moved to Lake Village, Arkansas in 1958, and became deeply involved in the community and Methodist church. He served and received recognition from Lakeside United Methodist Church, the Little Rock Annual Conference, Perkins School of Theology-SMU, World Methodist Conference, Nairobi, Kenya, UM General Boad of Global Ministries, UMC Hospitals Revitalization Program Core Group, and others.
While Marvin was in private practice of general dentistry for 50 years and active in numerous professional dental organizations throughout his career, including the Arkansas State Dental Association having served as state President in 1979-80. He became involved in mission work in Haiti, serving with Hospital de Bienfaisance de Pignon, where he was honored with a Hall of Honor induction and a Distinguished Service Award. He also held leadership roles with Christian Mission of Pignon, Inc. from 1996 until the time of his passing. After closing his private practice, he provided dental care for the Arkansas Department of Corrections for nine years. Besides his private practice and mission involvement, Marvin’s business affiliations included AQ Enterprises, Inc., TCBY Enterprises, Inc., First State Bank of Lake Village, and Bank of Lake Village.
Marvin was a long-standing member of Island 82 Hunting Club. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family, sharing his love of the outdoors and a family tradition of hunting. He is survived by son Gregory Marvin Loyd (Marta) of Mount Ida, Arkansas, daughter Nancy Loyd Rieves (Ralph Summerford) of Birmingham, Alabama, grandchildren Grace Rieves Humber (David) of Birmingham, Alabama, Susan Loyd McDonald (Jason) of Little Rock, Loyd Nisler Rieves (Deeann) of Nashville, Tennessee, Scott Martin Loyd (Krista) of Tulsa, and Bryan Gregory Loyd (Taryn) of Tontitown, Arkansas.
Marvin had ten great-grandchildren-Hammond Humber; Annie, Meredith and Ellis McDonald; Larkin and Harper Rieves; Harrison and Hank Loyd; and Amelia and Charlie Loyd.
The family wishes to thank his loyal and loving caregivers Cheryl Davies, Guillermina Mondragon, Fay Aaseth, Dorothy Tyler, Sharon James, and Sammie Green. They became his friends as much as caretakers. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Jack Burge and Marshall Sexton for their friendship and genuine concern.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeside United Methodist Church followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 324 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Village, Arkansas 71653 or to your favorite charity.
