The Friends of James H. Sloppy Floyd State Park recently marked what would have been the 103rd birthday of the state park’s namesake with a post on social media.  Many younger Chattooga County residents are familiar with the state park, but have no idea where the park got it’s unique name.

James H. “Sloppy” Floyd was a native of Trion and grew up in Chattooga County.  It is said that Coach Whitey Urban gave him the nickname “Sloppy”.  After graduating from high school, Floyd attended Middle Georgia Junior College and enlisted in the United States Army Airforce in World War II.  Floyd served the nation in the Pacific Theater during the war.

When he returned home, Floyd ran for State Representative in 1953.  For the next twenty-one years, Floyd never lost a Democratic Primary or General Election.  He quickly became one of the most powerful legislators in the Georgia General Assembly and served as the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee.  He was still serving in that post when he passed away in 1974.  His funeral at Trion First Baptist Church was attended by future President Jimmy Carter and future Georgia Governor and United States Senator Zell Miller.

Floyd was honored with the “Sloppy Floyd Veterans Memorial Building” being named after him.  The building sits in close proximity to the Gold Dome in Atlanta. Floyd was also honored by having the state park located in Chattooga County named in his honor.

Floyd would have turned 103 on February 4th.

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