Lloyd Chewning

This is Lloyd Chewning in June, 1983. Lloyd was our factory manager, and like many others who worked here, he was a Fender man years before. Lloyd was a tough guy with a kind heart.

I didn’t really know him, in fact the only words I ever said to him were “Nice to meet you, Lloyd.” Picture this. I walk into his office, my brother Johnny is there. Johnny says, “Hey Lloyd, I’d like you to meet my little brother, David.” I remember looking over to Lloyd as he sat behind his desk and he looked at me, kind of squinting and with an angry look. Then Lloyd barks out, “Why is he wearing a dress?” I was shocked. I looked at Johnny, and he tried to laugh it off like it was just Lloyd messing with me. Then we heard a thud and looked over at Lloyd. His head had fallen straight down to the desk, his hand still holding his lit cigarette.

Turns out Lloyd was suffering a massive stroke just as I walked in. The ambulance came, but it was too late for Lloyd.