Born on January 7, 1932 in Paris, Illinois
Passed February 28 2025, in Indialantic, Florida
Lloyd Allen Soughers, 93, known to many long-time Brevard County residents as “Sonny,” passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, at his home in Indialantic, Florida.
Born January 7, 1932, in Paris, Illinois, to Lawson Soughers and Leona Soughers Lutz, Lloyd was raised in the Methodist Church, graduated Paris High School in 1950, and entered the U.S. Army in 1952, proudly serving on the front lines of the Korean War, and later in the Illinois National Guard. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana Teachers College with plans to begin his teaching career in Chicago. However, having spent much time in Melbourne with his uncle and aunt, John and Doris Cassady, while helping out in their restaurant, Pop’s Casbah, an opportunity soon emerged with the Brevard County School District.
He and Nancy Sims, also of Paris, were married in Melbourne in 1958, the year he began his career as an educator, starting as a driver’s ed teacher at Melbourne High. Lloyd served in many district roles over the next 30 years, culminating with administrative positions following his master’s in education from Indiana State, including that of Melbourne High School principal in 1970, area superintendent in 1976, and finally superintendent of the district before his 1988 retirement.
An athlete and sportsman his entire life, Lloyd was an accomplished fisherman, an avid golfer, hunter and bowler, as well as a talented basketball player—even going up against the famed Harlem Magicians (later Globetrotters).
Always a proud family man, Lloyd is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter Sarona Winfrey of Little Elm, Texas, and son Brad (Susie) Soughers of Indialantic; grandchildren Courtney (Sean) Zeller, Tyler Soughers, Mackenzie (Austin) Beard, Ethan Winfrey, and Taylor Winfrey; nephew Dan Soughers; and five great grandchildren, Landon, Carson and Sloane Zeller, and Weston and Sadie Beard. Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents, Lawson Soughers, Leona Lutz, step-father Henry Lutz, and brother William Soughers.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne. Lloyd will be laid to rest at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to a favorite charity of their choosing.
10 entries.
Debbie Foster Williams
from Morristown, Tennessee wrote on March 13, 2025:
Mr. Soughers was my principal at Southwest Jr. High and Melbourne High School and he was a good friend to my parents, Margaret & LeRoy Foster. I remember him fondly and the support he provided to academics, athletics and band which contributed to a well-rounded successful student. I remember him telling my dad, if I wanted to return to Melbourne and teach after graduating from college, he would find a place for me in the Brevard County Schools. Although I chose to stay in Tennessee, that offer was flattering and much appreciated. Sending much love and sympathy to Mrs. Soughers, Sarona and Brad and family.
Tom & Amy Beard
from West Melbourne wrote on March 10, 2025:
Dear Soughers Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Sonny sounded like an incredible father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His many years in the Melbourne school system undoubtedly touched and changed countless lives. Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
With sympathy,
Tom & Amy Beard
Jean and Charlie Schack
from Melbourne wrote on March 7, 2025:
Lloyd Soughers was principal at Southwest Junior High in 1969. When I was a senior at Florida State University, he interviewed and hired me for a Home Economics position there. Unfortunately for me, but not for him, he became the principal of Melbourne high school. I was sad he wasn’t my ever my principal, but appreciated him giving me the beginning of a 35 year career as a teacher in Brevard county. He was a great leader, dedicated, and caring and will always be remembered and treasured in my heart. Love, Jean
Lloyd Soughers was my principal at Southwest Jr High while I was the Athletic Director. He loved basketball and was very supportive of our teams. He would sometimes come to the gym to watch practice. Lloyd was a fantastic principal who was loved by his staff and students. He will not be forgotten. Love, Charlie
R. Kent Broome
from Indialantic wrote on March 6, 2025:
Lloyd and I were neighbors for years, both having lived in Indialantic from the 50's on. When my father passed, LLoyd became my serogate dad so to speak. We attended many twon council meetings over the years to address various issaues in the city. Lloyd was a gentleman, soft spoken and genuine. He shared many stories of his Uncle, John Cassidy, owner of Pop's Casbah where he worked as a young man. I will surely miss Lloyd and his gentle way, a confidant of mine, and a loving father and husband. He called Nancy "Love" and he truly loved her as his one and only. We shared a lot of sunsets together and I'm sure he'll paint some amazing ones for all of us who loved him. Sail on Lloyd and I hope there's some good fishing in Heaven. I'm sure John has the boat ready.
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Steve Puckett
from Palm Bay wrote on March 6, 2025:
I am so thankful to have known Mr. Soughers during his superintendent years. We moved here in 1984 just a few years before he retired. Played golf with him a time or two and I am certainly thankful to have known Brad and been a good friend throughout the years. Leaders like him are what made our community a great community and our school system a great school system.
Andre & Patsy Arrouet
from Melbourne wrote on March 5, 2025:
We are very sad hear of “Mr. Sourghers, Sir”, as most often said when addressing him. My first introduction was in 1967 when he interviewed me at Appalachian State Teachers College for a job in Brevard County. From that time through his retirement, he was terrific mentor, family friend, loyal and caring bosses that I ever had the honor to with in two different schools and the District Office. In short, he was the Best. So, I will be happy be share at his send off next week at Brownle’s. Our deepest condolences to Nancy, Sarona and Brad and their families.
Rae Cross
from Sebastian wrote on March 4, 2025:
Mr Soughers allowed me to graduate in 1977 (1st year he was a superintendent) with a 1.95 GPA. He had so much faith in me. Twenty two years later I earned my Bachelor’s out of Rollins. Thank you Mr Soughers for believing in me when almost no one did. Your work here is done Dear Sir….rest well!
Don and Mary Ann Beggs
from Melbourne wrote on March 4, 2025:
So many wonderful memories we have of our friend and fellow educator and those will be what we carry in our hearts as we bid him farewell. He was someone so proud of his family and always glad to hear about other family members succeeding in life. We have fond memories of sharing day trips around Florida with him and Nancy; sharing fun Thanksgiving dinner trips to Savannah and the list goes on. He will be missed but loved and lovingly remembered by many.
Don and Mary Ann Beggs
from Melbourne wrote on March 4, 2025:
Our friend will be missed. He had such a wonderful life and it was always a joy being with him on day trips to places around Florida and sharing family stories over dinners. He was so proud of his family and loved keeping up with other family members as he watched them make their way in life. Lloyd, thank you for your service and your friendship .
Anna Marie Cook
from Hoschton, Ga. wrote on March 4, 2025:
Nancy,
My heart breaks for you and your family. You had such a long and happy life together. What wonderful memories you have.!Keepng all of you in my prayers.
Love,
Anna Marie
Born on January 7, 1932 in Paris, Illinois
