Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – A memorial service for Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member and West Virginia State University (WVSU) basketball legend Earl Lloyd, the first African-American to play in a NBA game, will take place at Fairfield Glade First Baptist Church in Crossville, Tenn., Saturday, March 28, 2015, at 1 p.m.
The service will serve as a celebration of Lloyd’s life and will share that he was much more than a professional basketball player. He was a leader, a pioneer, a veteran, an educator, an executive, a husband, a father, a grandfather and, for those lucky enough to know him, a true friend. He was modest and with a smile always willing to help anyone. Lloyd personified intelligence, grace, elegance and kindness. Condolences can be sent to Fairfield Glade First Baptist Church, 130 Towne Center Way, Crossville, TN 38571, where Dr. Leonard Markham serves as Senior Pastor.
Following his college basketball career at West Virginia State, the Alexandria, Va. native became a trailblazer in the world of professional basketball. In 1950, with the Washington Capitols, Lloyd became the first African-American to play in an NBA game. Later, with the Syracuse Nationals, he became the first African-American player to win an NBA championship. Following his playing days, with the Pistons, he was the first African-American to be named an assistant coach and the first to be named a bench coach.
Lloyd is survived by his wife, Charlita, their sons and extended family.
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