Floyd Andrew Hull

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Floyd Andrew Hull II, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, Vietnam War veteran, and a man whose wisdom and love left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him. He departed from this world on September 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, honor, and enduring life lessons.

Floyd was born on September 9, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Floyd Andrew Hull and Bessie Ruth Mader. Anyone who spent time with Floyd knows that his father, "Pappy," a Purple Heart veteran himself, was the single greatest influence in Floyd's life, his hero. Not only did Pappy foster in Floyd a love for learning and a thirst for information, but also a passion for sharing and teaching a lifetime's worth of wisdom and skill.

Following in Pappy's footsteps, and perhaps eager to explore the world beyond the Nebraska prairies, Floyd enlisted in the Army at the age of eighteen. Like his father and grandfather before him, he understood the deep significance of serving his country; it was his duty. Shortly thereafter, Floyd served a year in South Vietnam, an experience that left him with a strong distaste for powdered eggs and undoubtedly had a profound effect on the man he would become.

In late 1970, Floyd Sr. and Bessie received a letter. Excited and exhausted, Floyd announced, "THE KID IS COMING HOME!!!!!!" With biting wit and just a touch of irreverence, the correspondence offered his family guidance on how they might help him assimilate upon his return. Like an author foreshadowing the novel of his own life, Floyd wrote, "Be watchful when he is in the presence of a woman, especially a beautiful woman." He continued. “Above all, keep in mind that beneath that tanned and rugged exterior there is a heart of gold, the only thing of value left. Treat him with kindness, tolerance… and you will be able to rehabilitate that which was once, and is now, a hollow shell of the happy-go-lucky guy you once knew and loved.”

That beautiful woman would enter the picture years later when he met the love of his life, his world, his wife, Cindy McKnight. The two met in Venice, Florida, and shared a mutual dream of a quiet life and a home in the mountains. The heavens smiled. Floyd found in Cindy the kindness and tolerance he had longed for all those years ago. As for Cindy, she found his heart of gold. The two fell deeply in love, the kind of love one might read about in a book, where one's weaknesses were offset by the other's strengths. With little more than deep love and a dream, they headed for the mountains, accompanied by two less-than-enthusiastic teenagers. Over the course of several years, Floyd and Cindy worked tirelessly toward their goal, transforming a modest parcel of overgrown land into a home, and eventually, over many years, into the small slice of paradise that exists there today. The road was not an easy one. To hear the teenagers tell the tale, they narrowly survived. But Floyd, ever wise, knew that hard work and adversity would strengthen a person and build character. They might protest (and oh, would they ever protest!), they might even pitch a fit, but Floyd never wavered in his strength or resolve. Today, those two teenagers, now adults, would tell you that he was right and that those early years in North Carolina helped to shape the people they are today. That you haven't really lived until you've dragged thousands of pounds of rock across two acres on a piece of scrap metal with an old piece of rope affixed. And, they would mean it from the bottom of their hearts. Floyd and Cindy would marry in the presence of God, family, and dearest friends on the 12th day of May, 2001, a gloriously sunny day in Sylva, North Carolina.

Floyd achieved many things throughout his lifetime, but he considered being a Grandparent his most important role. Affectionately known as "Pops" to his Grandkids, Floyd set out to teach them all he knew; it was his purpose. He once wrote, “knowledge is the only thing that no one can take away from you, and knowledge is the only thing you can give your children that can’t be taken from them.”

When asked what he would miss most about Pops, his Grandson Jack, who was most recently learning to solder circuit boards, replied without hesitation, “All the things he was teaching us.”

Granddaughter Violet shared, “I remember my Pops would give me frequent talks about life lessons and teach me things that he hoped I’d carry with me through my life. He always told me if anyone ever gave me a problem, he would solve it. That was Pops. Every time I’d go up the mountain, I’d always learn something valuable from him, things you can’t learn today. Things about trucks, building, weaving, land work, welding, and more. Pops taught me the value of hard work, and he never failed to usher us into a new process lovingly. I will always remember my grandfather. He holds a special place in my heart that no object or person could ever hope to fill. There will never be another man quite like Floyd Hull. I’ve always looked up to him and felt protected knowing he was around. He kept us all safe.”

In 2018, Grandson Carter wrote his college entrance essay about his time with Pops and Nanny and how it influenced him. He wrote, “On my way to my grandfather’s shop, I would listen to the vibrant sounds of summer: birds chirping, bugs buzzing, gravel crunching, wind whistling, and my grandfather working on machines. He would teach me invaluable lessons that I will keep with me for the rest of my life, like 'Stand tall and walk proud.'”

In 2012, after losing his father, Floyd penned a heartfelt letter titled “Ramblings of an Old Man,” filled with his reflections and advice for his loved ones. This letter serves as a testament to his character and values, which we now cherish even more in his absence.

Among the many poignant reflections Floyd wrote, “Love is only at its strongest when you are willing to give others love with no thought of what you get out of it. That is when you get true joy. Fear, anger, and hate are the things that can kill love and joy.”

“Being honorable is not a part-time thing. You are, or you are not. It is your choice and no one else’s. Either you are honorable or you are not.”

“You can put on all of the fine clothes and cover them with the finest perfume, and when you're done, if you started with a skunk, you will still have a skunk when you're done.”

As a Vietnam War veteran, Floyd exemplified courage and selflessness in the face of adversity.

His service to our country was a testament to his unwavering commitment to defending freedom and justice. He carried these principles with him throughout his life, instilling them in his children and grandchildren.

In his letter, Floyd shared a wealth of wisdom and guidance, offering lessons that will continue to guide us for generations to come. He encouraged us to be strong, honorable, and compassionate individuals. He emphasized the importance of love, respect, and the pursuit of happiness. His words remind us that true strength lies in tenderness and compassion, and that love and joy can conquer fear, anger, and hate.

In his memory, let us continue to honor Floyd's legacy by living our lives with honor, compassion, and a commitment to learning and growth.

Floyd's passing leaves a void in our lives, but his wisdom and love will forever echo in our hearts. We find comfort in knowing that he now rests in peace, having lived a life rich in meaning and purpose.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Bessie. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, children and children-in-law, Kasey, Martin, Jarrod and Ian, and his grandchildren, Carter, Violet and Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in honor of Floyd's service and commitment to his country be made to the Jackson County at Risk Veterans Fund, Attention: Finance Dept., 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Sylva, NC 28779.

To honor Floyd’s wishes, those closest to him will celebrate his life on September 30, 2023, at 11:00 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church, Sylva, NC.

May Floyd find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all.