Justin “Stone” Lloyd was larger than life in every sense of the phrase. Most people knew him simply as Stone, and the name fit. At 6'4" and around 330 pounds, he had a presence you noticed immediately. But his size was only part of it. Stone was intense, loyal, protective, outspoken, and impossible to ignore.
From a young age, Stone lived with heart disease and fought it like a warrior. He faced challenges that would have broken many people, but he kept pushing forward. He never let his condition define him, and he carried himself with a toughness that matched the rest of his personality.
As a kid, Stone worked alongside his mother at the Derry Diner. He grew up around people, conversation, personalities, and chaos, and that ability to connect with all kinds of people stayed with him throughout his life.
His love of strength and fitness started early. In his younger years he was into kickboxing and breakdancing, but the gym became his constant. It was home — a place to push himself, clear his head, and be completely in his element.
Stone was fiercely independent in the way he thought. He questioned things, challenged mainstream opinions, and had no problem standing alone in what he believed. He could be confrontational, passionate, funny, stubborn, and convincing, sometimes all in the same conversation. Whether you agreed with him or not, he made you think. He was also a gifted storyteller. His stories could be hilarious, wild, intense, or almost unbelievable, but when Stone was talking, people listened.
Above all, he was a natural leader and protector. Stone believed his purpose was to love, guide, and protect the people closest to him. If he loved you, he wanted you safe, strong, thinking for yourself, and certain that he had your back.
He loved high-energy music with heavy bass, strong women, the gym and Papa Gino’s. Those details may seem small, but they were unmistakably Stone.
He was not a quiet presence in this world, and he will not leave a quiet absence.
Stone will be remembered for his strength, his convictions, his stories, his loyalty, his ability to command a room, and above all, the fierce way he loved and protected the people he called his own.
Justin loved all animals especially his cat Lexi. They say cats have 9 lives….well Justin had dozens.
Justin is survived by his mother, Nancy (Lloyd) Donovan; and his brother, Nicholas Little. He was predeceased by his stepfather Ralph Donovan and his biological father Chucky Johns.
He will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Following cremation, a celebration of life for him will be held at a later date. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium of Derry and Londonderry are assisting the family with arrangements.