Loy Vaught Sr., age 86, was peacefully called to his Heavenly Home on Friday, December 19, 2025, after facing a courageous battle with cancer during the final year of his life.

Loy was born on March 12, 1939, in Doeville, Tennessee, to the late John M. and Blanch W. Vaught. He was the youngest of his siblings in a large family of many blended ages, creating a rich and dynamic household. Loy grew up on a farm nestled in the mountains of Tennessee, where his family raised their own food, built their home, tended livestock, and preserved meat in their smokehouse. He often shared stories of how his mother taught him to store food in the ground over the winter, how to use plants and herbs for many things, and how he and his father and siblings would travel long distances into town and to school—sometimes walking and other times riding by horseback. 

These stories, rich with lessons of resilience, became cherished memories that he passed down to his children in his storytelling. A mischievous jokester in his younger days, he carried his sense of humor throughout his life, always ready with a joke or a funny story. His charm and humor were undeniable, and he had a natural ability to connect with people. When he was just a young man, Loy and his mother moved to Michigan, where he would go on to build a life rooted in family.

In his early twenties, Loy married Ozzie Friend, and together they shared a marriage of several years. From this union, they became the proud parents of Loy “Stephon”, Jon, and their adopted son, Kevin. They also opened their hearts and home to foster children during their marriage. Loy was a devoted husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments, and he found great joy in being a loving parent and foster parent. His family was his greatest pride, and he would do anything to support and care for them. Although their marriage came to an end, Loy and Ozzie remained committed to co-parenting their children and ensuring they were surrounded by love and support.

At the age of 23, shortly after marrying Ozzie, Loy entered the US Army. During his service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and earned recognition as a Marksman (Rifle M-14) while serving as a heavy vehicle truck driver. A proud veteran, his time in active duty included a memorable period in Germany, which he often spoke about with friends and family.

Following his first marriage, Loy later married Celeste Applewhite, with whom he welcomed his son, Taylor, and embraced his stepson, Brandon, as his own. Loy cherished his role as a father and stepfather, and his love was evident in the way he supported and encouraged them throughout their lives. Though this marriage also concluded, Loy’s dedication to his family never wavered.

Years later, Loy’s life took a joyful turn when he met Laura Zuller while working as a city bus driver for GRATA. The two fell in love and built a life together, blending their families. Loy and Laura shared 35 loving years of marriage, bringing together Loy’s five sons and Laura’s three daughters to create a bond that celebrated family and togetherness.

Loy was a natural handyman and had a knack for building and fixing things. He often spent hours in his workshop crafting projects. Loy also took great pride in tending to his large garden, which was a testament to his hard work and love of growing his own food. He was an exceptional cook, known for his southern soul food dishes that brought family and friends together around the table. Whether it was his famous Thanksgiving dressing, collard greens, or homemade cornbread, Loy’s cooking was a reflection of his love and care for those around him. In his later years, he also developed a love for jigsaw puzzles, spending quiet moments piecing them together.

Loy was a hard worker, sometimes holding three jobs at a time to provide for his family. He worked at B & B Wood Products as a foreman, was a landlord for some time, and a city bus driver for GRATA (now known as The Rapid), where he proudly served for 10 years. In his later years, he continued driving for two retirement communities, where the elders adored him—and he loved them just as much. Loy was a Christian who loved God deeply and prayed often. He will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, and his unwavering love for his family and friends.

Those remaining to celebrate and cherish his memory are his loving wife, Laura Vaught of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his children, Loy S. Vaught, Jonathan Vaught, Kevin Vaught, and Taylor (Adrienne) Vaught; step-children, Brandon Applewhite, Darla Zuller, Jody (Tarance) Rose, and Kristin Zuller, all of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his sister, Ella Vaught of Grand Rapids, Michigan; eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends that he loved. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Callie Harden, Mell Vina Cunningham, Sallie Widby, Mary Sterling, and Dora Mae Kendell; and his brothers, Johnny Vaught, Carl Vaught, Jay Vaught, and Stanley Vaught.

The family will welcome visitors on Monday, December 29th, from 6 to 8 PM at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508, and Tuesday, December 30th, from 10 to 11 AM. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, at 11 AM at Stroo Funeral Home, with Chaplain Cecilio Reyna officiating. Interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Loy may be made to Faith Hospice.