Floyd Leon Tracy

Floyd Leon Tracy passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Gentlecare Nursing & Rehabilitation in Vincennes, IN, at the age of 87. Born in Annapolis, IL, on April 8, 1937, Leon's story is one of a self-made man who rose from the humble beginnings of a large family raised in Annapolis and Eaton. With the work ethic of a titan, he tackled life head-on, finding ways to earn a living through sheer tenacity. From mowing lawns to washing cars, Leon was the embodiment of the American dream in action. His youthful adventures with automobiles might have earned him a reputation for being rough around the edges, but it was this very spirit that propelled him to prove his doubters wrong. When told he was too hot-tempered for the military, Leon responded not with words but with action, forging a remarkable 20-year career in the Air Force that would redefine who he was.

Known as "Trace" among his comrades, Leon's military service took him from the runways of Lakeland, TX to the skies over England, Bolivia, and various corners of the United States. As a parachute rigger and later parachute supervisor, he was a man others could rely on, a figure of dependability and courage. Through his service, Leon demonstrated that the measure of a man is not in what is said about him but in what he accomplishes through his actions. After retiring from the Air Force in 1975, Leon's unyielding work ethic did not subside. In New York, he became a familiar face to many, delivering parts, driving taxis, and eventually dedicating 20 years to the Riverhead School District as a custodian, rising to the position of head custodian. Leon's commitment to hard work was matched only by his dedication to enjoying life. His love for Chevrolets, his immaculate yard, and his penchant for playful banter made "Flirty Floyd" a character in every sense of the word!

Leon's love for life extended beyond his own interests. He was a helper, a generous soul who, time and again, gave of himself to his family. His wife, Helen, was a primary beneficiary of the man's boundless generosity, as were his sons, Michael & wife Celeste Tracy, David Tracy, and Steven Tracy; his grandchildren, Sean Tracy, Mary Tracy, Ryan Osborne, and Erica Hayes; and his great-grandchildren, Kayleigh Hayes, Emma Osborne, and Jessa Osborne. He also leaves behind three sisters, Lois Dunlap, Norma & husband Jerry Watts, and Linda Pethtel, two brothers & sisters-in-law, Chuck & Debbie Tracy and Bob & Pat Tracy, and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle Tracy & Letha (Smith) Tracy; by his sister, Mary Westbrook; and by his brothers, Jim Tracy, Dean Tracy, Don Tracy, Dave Tracy, LeRoy Tracy, Lloyd Tracy

A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, with Rev. David Ducommon officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . In honor of his 20 years as a school custodian, memorials may be made to the "NOW Program," an organization that sends supplemental food home with local students on weekends. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the combined units of the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132.