The spirit of Summit police officer and Brookhaven resident Troy Floyd echoed from the speakers of phones and computer screens across Mississippi Tuesday afternoon as Floyd’s funeral was broadcast on social media. Thousands of law enforcement personnel, family, and friends gathered at Bethel Temple Church and cemetery to remember Floyd, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in Summit on August 8.

Lincoln County District 3 Supervisor John David Hart said he had known Floyd for a long time. His death was the only way Floyd would have been at the Bethel Temple Church cemetery Tuesday. Hart said anyone who knew Floyd knew he hated cemeteries, something echoed over and over again by speakers at the funeral and his friends. 

Greatest mission

Hart said Floyd accomplished his greatest mission in life. When his funeral started at 2 p.m. at Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church off of US84 it was likely the most people who have ever been in that church, Hart said. They would all hear the good news. While Floyd’s life on earth was over, his faith in Jesus Christ’s atoning death meant he was in heaven. 

At about the same time, a speaker got up and talked about a Bible and an interaction with Floyd. The speaker quoted from Romans Chapter 8 and said it gave him great comfort Friday morning. 

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose,” Romans 8:28 states. 

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And to those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:29-30. 

The speaker said he wanted his “light to shine as bright as Troy’s did.” 

Summit 7 is 10-7

Mounted patrolmen from Mississippi Highway Patrol Mounted Division saluted as a motorcade of honor guard, law enforcement, friends and family made their way to the cemetery Tuesday afternoon. The procession passed about 55 flags on East Lincoln Road along the path from US84 to the cemetery. 

MHP honor guard members solemnly removed Floyd’s casket, an American flag draped over it. Law enforcement and veterans saluted as his body was carried over to the grave side. Several bouquets of flowers were a backdrop to those final private moments. A blue cross stood out in the foreground as people gathered. 

Silence was interrupted by a 21-gun salute for Floyd followed by the playing of taps. A man playing the bagpipe belted out Amazing Grace. One last call was made by McComb Central Dispatch. 

“McComb Central to Summit 7, McComb Central to Summit 7, McComb Central to Summit 7. Officer Troy Floyd thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice and for serving 27 years. Copy Summit 7, 10-7 for the last time. Gone from this earth but forever in our hearts. We will take it from here.”