William Mace Floyd

William Mace Floyd was born on October 10, 1942 in Harrisburg, IL, to William and Lucille Floyd. While still a young boy, Bill and his family moved to Midland, Texas, where he was raised, acquiring his love for the outdoors and wildlife of all kinds, especially birds. After graduating from Seminole High School in west Texas, Bill attended Northern Illinois University and graduated in 1967 with a Masters of Science degree in biology/chemistry. From 1968 to 1972, Bill served as an officer at Kirtland Air Force Base and supported the DoD’s high-dose radiation effects research program. After earning a post-graduate teaching certificate in secondary education from UNM, Bill began working in the radiation control program at the Indiana State Board of Health. While stationed at KAFB, Bill had fallen in love with New Mexico and returned in 1976, where he began a 28 year tenure for the New Mexico Environment Department. Bill retired in 2004 after managing several programs in the department’s Hazardous and Radioactive Materials and Radiation Control Bureaus.

After retiring, Bill continued his love of nature by camping, hiking and also working in the yard of the family home. He liked watching old movies in addition to true crime dramas and historical programs. He also dabbled in photography and had a very eclectic taste in music, ranging from Classical to Classic Rock and everything in between. His favorite pastime was cooking and he reveled in trying new recipes every chance he got.

Unfortunately, early last year Bill contracted pneumonia twice and suffered both a mini heart attack and mini stroke in the span of only a few months, requiring several long hospital stays. After some rehabilitation and physical therapy, Bill began improving due to his great will and love for life. After much hard work and determination, Bill appeared to be on the mend, vowing to get back into his kitchen to achieve his goal of once again cooking for his family. However, in the past weeks his health started to decline and despite all his valiant efforts, he was not able to recover one more time. Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 14, 2018.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and two older sisters, Muriel Barmore of Deer Park, Texas and Annabelle Floyd of Seattle, Washington. He is survived by his husband Mark DeMarinella, Jr. of the family home in Rio Rancho, three step children, Mark DeMarinella, III, of Albuquerque, Deidre (husband Ethan) Marquez and Michael DeMarinella, all of Rio Rancho. He is also survived by his niece Kate Koppelman (Pat Malloy) and great niece Lucy of Seattle, Washington. He had many wonderful friends all across the country and will be dearly missed by all. Per Bill's request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will occur, however, a celebration of life will be scheduled in the near future.