Loyd Russell Wimberley went to be with the Lord at age 98, on August 28, 2016 in Midland.Loyd was born May 1, 1918 to Samuel Dewitt Wimberley and Mollie Norsis Gill Wimberley, in Loraine, Texas. The family moved to Midland in 1928. Loyd traveled to Midland by wagon as he helped his father move their farming equipment to their new home.Loyd attended Midland public schools. He graduated from Midland High School in 1936, where he played center on the Bulldog football team that won the Regional Championship, the highest level possible at the time. He was the last surviving member of the team. The team was treated by citizens with a trip to the Rose Bowl for their accomplishment.He was a part of the greatest generation that served during World War II. He was a member of the Army Air Force and served in the Asia-Pacific Theater. He was posted overseas to Tinian Island, from which the atomic bombing raids on Japan were launched to end the war. While serving on Tinian Island, in the Northern Marianas, Loyd accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, and the only path to heaven. He was baptized in the Pacific Ocean in 1945.After the war, he lived in Crane, Texas until 1966, where he owned Crane Appliance and Furniture. He served as a Volunteer and Chief of the Crane Volunteer Fire Department. He retired to Midland in 1967. During retirement, he carried on his passion for photography and his picture framing business, helped in his family’s farming business, loved gardening, and enjoyed seeing his grandchildren’s endeavors and accomplishments.He is survived by three children, Glenn Russell Wimberley and wife Karen, Ella Loydene Davis and husband Bill, and Linda Louise Dinsmore and husband Mark. He was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, Alison Kay Wimberley Bray, Amy Katherine Wimberley Enns, Mitchell Alan Dinsmore and Haley Victoria Dinsmore McNerlin. A proud great grandfather of Evan Harrison Bray, Colin Grayson Bray, Etta Katherine Enns and Maggie Georgia Enns, and numerous nieces, nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ella B. Hobbs Wimberley, and wives Era Hobbs Wimberley and Betty Knippa Wimberley; brother, Melvin; sister, Dorothy; and one grandchild, Angela Christine Dinsmore.Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home, 3800 North Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas. A graveside service with Military Honors will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Fairview Cemetery, Midland, Texas.In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4372, PO Box 12004, Odessa, TX 79768-2004, or give to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4400 N. Big Spring C-32, Midland, TX 79705 .Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
