Floyd Lumpkin

Floyd Lumpkin was so thankful for and proud of his age. He turned 96 in February. No matter how much pain he may have experienced, he would say his famous quote, “I’m Superfine all the time.”

Floyd passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 20, 2026. He devoted his life to his family, his Masonic family and his church, Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Lawnside, New Jersey.

Floyd was the son of the late Lucy Young Lumpkin and the late James Lumpkin. He was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina. When Floyd was six months old, the family moved to Washington, D.C. He later moved to Clementon, New Jersey.

Floyd attended Armstrong High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1947 and served in Japan. After receiving an honorable discharge, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean War.

He attended Michigan Barber College, completed real estate classes at Prince George’s Community College and graduated from Calvinade Beauty Academy in Washington, D.C. He was especially proud to receive a degree in “Hamburgerology” from McDonald’s Hamburger University in Chicago, Illinois. He put that degree to good use, managing McDonald’s restaurants and turning around underperforming locations.

Floyd was also an entrepreneur. He operated a jewelry business called “Gold is Cash,” which was located in the Howard Inn until it closed. As a master barber, he had several celebrity customers, including Jesse Jackson and Marvin Gaye. He also processed the hair of Duke Ellington and Count Basie and operated a beauty salon.

Floyd referred to himself as a professional driver whenever his wife commented on his driving. Well, he was! He drove for D.C. Transit and also drove charter buses. He served on the boxing commission as a timekeeper for boxing matches and was spotted many times on ESPN.

Floyd was debonair, with a larger-than-life personality and a presence that was hard to miss. A crooner at heart, he had a smooth voice and loved to sing and entertain. He enjoyed people, good conversation and a good laugh, and he had a way of making his presence felt wherever he went.

It was through his Masonic travels that Floyd found the love of his life, Francine Jones Lumpkin. While traveling to New Jersey to attend various Potentate Balls, he met Francine, and the two were happily married for 24 years. Floyd loved to tell people that he chased her until she caught him.

Floyd was also a devoted father to four lovely daughters and three handsome sons. His family grew to span three generations; all bound together by love.

One of Floyd’s greatest loves was being a Prince Hall Mason. He was a member of Meridian Lodge No. 6, under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, and became a Master Mason in 1963. He was one of the official drivers who transported the Grand Master and his entourage on official visitations. He was a member of Jonathan Davis Consistory No. 1 in Washington, D.C. and received his 33rd Degree in 1994.

Floyd was a member of Mecca Temple No. 10, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of North and South America and was created in 1965. He was made Past Potentate in 1988 and Honorary Past Imperial Potentate in 1992. He was active in the Patrol Department and Strollers and served as Director of Talent and Scholarship for Mecca Temple No. 10. In 2010, he became an honorary member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Floyd was also an associate member of Zamora Temple No. 73 in Camden, New Jersey.

He served on the Board of Governors from 1989 to 1990 and, in 2012, received the New Jersey Military Service Award and Medal from Camden County.

In addition to his parents, Floyd was preceded in death by his siblings James, William, Catherine and Cora.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Francine Jones Lumpkin; daughters Cyrena Cox, Robin Owens, DeShan Mingo and Nicole Stewart (Jason); sons Floyd Jr. (Sandra), John A. Caine (Mary) and Philip Lumpkin (Minion); his beloved brother and only surviving sibling, Theodore Lumpkin (Julia); 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces, great niece's, nephews, great nephews and a host of relatives and friends.

Floyd lived 96 years with gratitude and a zest for life. And through it all, no matter what the day brought, his answer remained the same:

“I’m Superfine all the time.”