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Jan. 26, 1935 – April 27, 2015

NATCHEZ — Floyd Wayne Eppinette, 80, died Monday, April 27, 2015, in Newnan, Ga., surrounded by his children and Elaine Fields.

Mr. Eppinette was born Jan. 26, 1935, in Baton Rouge, the son of Floyd Watson Eppinette and Lucille Bond Eppinette.

Mr. Eppinette was reared in Natchez and graduated from Natchez High School. He attended Delta State University, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1957.

He was a member of the Men’s Honor Council, Student Government Association, M-Club and lettered in football. He then served two years in the U.S. Army.

He was employed by Eastern Airlines where he retired as a captain after 25 years of service. During that time, he resided on a ranch in Senoia, Ga., where he raised his family.

Mr. Eppinette was an avid horseman, raising and training cutting horses. He won a number of National Championship Awards and was a member and president of the National Cutting Horse Association.

After retirement, Mr. Eppinette returned to Natchez. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a supporter of the Big Joe Fortunato Golf Tournament and a member of the Miss-Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. As a loyal Delta State football fan and supporter, he attended all games possible.

Mr. Eppinette was a devoted father, beloved grandfather and a faithful friend to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lawrence Vernon Eppinette.

Survivors include his ex-wife, Bonnie Hollberg; two sons, Keith Eppinette and Kyle Eppinette and wife, Paige; one daughter, Kayle Boyd and husband, Ricky, three grandsons, Josh Eppinette, Luke Eppinette and Dylan Cates; and two granddaughters, Olivia Eppinette and Katie Boyd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Natchez First Presbyterian Church or to a charity of choice.