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August 8, 1959 – January 17, 2024

AULANDER – Lloyd Ireland of Aulander, NC, passed peacefully at the age of 64 in Chapel Hill, NC, with family members at his side.

Born in Morehead City, NC, he was a big man with a big heart. Lloyd enjoyed fishing, poker and playing basketball, softball, and football. Guiding young lives was his passion, and he spoiled his grandchildren at every opportunity. But most of all, he loved coaching.

He was the first head coach of the Ahoskie Bobcats football team, and coached many girls baseball and softball teams over the years. They all heard Coach Ireland call out his favorite phrase: “C’MON HERE!” On January 17, it was God’s turn to call Lloyd.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, Pattie S. and Robert Ireland, Sr.; two brothers, Robert Jr. and John; his sister, Teresa; and his first-born son, Paul.

Left to mourn his loss are his daughter, Jennifer Taylor of Aulander, NC; son, Matthew Ireland of Rich Square, NC; and ten grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings, Sheila Higginbotham of Kelford, NC, Patricia Ireland of Lewisburg, KY, Darryl Ireland (Jill) of Ahoskie, NC, Kenneth Ireland (Pamela) of Loganville, GA, and Susan Payne of Stone Mountain, GA; as well as many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Carpenter’s Shop International Church, 903 South Catherine Creek Road, Ahoskie. No flowers please.