John Floyd

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John Alex Floyd, Jr (born February 21, 1948 in Selma, Dallas County; died February 7, 2021) was the third editor-in-chief for Southern Living magazine, having helmed the publication from 1990 to December 2008.

Floyd earned a bachelor's degree in ornamental horticulture from Auburn University in 1970 and a masters in horticulture and doctorate in plant physiology from Clemson University in Greenville, South Carolina.

He worked at Clemson's horticulture department for three years before leaving in 1975 to direct Jefferson State Junior College's Agricultural Technology Program. He joined the Southern Progress company as an in-house horticulturist in 1977.

In 1985 Floyd helmed the newly-founded Southern Living Classics, which was merged with Southern Accents soon later. He served as editorial director for that title as well as Cooking Light when it launched in 1987. In 1990 he was tapped to succeed Gary McCalla as editor of Southern Living.

After his retirement from the magazine he was succeeded by Eleanor Griffin.

References

  • Williams, Roy L. (October 17, 2008) "Southern Living's veteran editor to retire." The Birmingham News
  • Luesse, Valeria Fraser (February 8, 2021) "A Grateful Farewell to "JAF"." Southern Living