Mr. Floyd McSwain McPhail

November 16, 1944 - December 25, 2020

Floyd McSwain McPhail passed away peacefully on December 25th, 2020. He leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Ann Lee McPhail and his 2 adoring daughters: Ashley McPhail Sevick, her husband Major James Kenneth Sevick USAF Rt, and their two sons, Caleb James Sevick, and Cole McPhail Sevick, and daughter Leigh McPhail Campbell, husband Dr. Ross Martin Campbell, and their 2 sons, Aidan James Campbell and Silas Elison Campbell. Floyd was the fifth of seven children born to Walter Hoolu and Addie Prater McPhail on November 16, 1944. He is predeceased by sister, Mary Cannon and brother, Steve McPhail. His remaining siblings are sisters: Hazel Schumaker and Elaine McPhail, brothers: Walter and Neil McPhail and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Floyd was a lifelong resident of the Pine Grove Community. He was a member of Dickson Methodist Church, a 1962 graduate of Townville High School and attended Clemson University. He was a Renaissance farmer involved in the livestock and poultry industries. He was honored with a lifetime membership in the American Angus Association. He was instrumental in the Agricultural Conservation effort in southern Oconee County, he was awarded the Heritage Farmer of the Year in 2014. He believed in developing and conserving the land with new ideas, new techniques, new equipment, and old wisdom. He worked with the Agronomy Department at Clemson University testing new seed varieties and planting techniques. He enjoyed wildlife conservation. His farming career lasted a span of 6 decades teaching many young people the value of work ethics and the bond of a hand shake. Floyd lived a life full to the brim with love, kindness, tenderness, laughter and good red dirt. With unsinkable determination and beaming positivity he was known for perseverance in life, love and farming. Farming and helping others farm with respect and success was his passion. He was known for his deep pride and love of his family, and for his incredible generosity, with all that he had, to help those around him. The chasm left in our hearts with his loss will never be filled or healed. But the ripples of his legacy of love, kindness and genuine goodness will go on forever. His daughters remember many times calling their dad with the news of some new life challenge, disappointment, or devastation… only to be told by their Dad “that sounds just like farming to me…. You oftentimes will lose, but you never, never, never give up!” He will be remembered for his courage, compassion, sage advice, kindness and love of his family. To honor Floyd’s memory, please show an act of kindness to someone in need. According to Floyd’s wishes and health issues of the time, a memorial service will be held at a later date.