Carlton Floyd

Dr. Carlton J. Floyd DDS MS of Aurora, Colorado passed away on January 16, 2023, at the age of 76.

Dr. Floyd is survived by his two daughters, Adrienne D. Floyd and Carolyn J. Floyd (Aurora, CO); his mother Rosa Lee Floyd (Aurora, CO); three brothers Leonard Floyd (Silver Springs, MA), Kenneth Floyd (Denver, CO) and Timothy Floyd (Aurora, CO) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his late wife Jerilyn (Jeri) Floyd and father Carl J. Floyd.

Carlton was born in Birmingham, Alabama to Carl J. Floyd and Rosa Lee Grier-Floyd on December 22, 1946. In his earliest years in Alabama, he was surrounded by a large family full of faith and education. Carlton grew up the oldest of four brothers and was an exceptional role model and set high standards.

Carlton was a baby when his family moved to Pueblo, Colorado where he excelled both academically and athletically. He graduated from Centennial High School in 1964 and received a basketball scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. In 1966, he transferred to Colorado State University in Ft. Collins and enrolled in ROTC, earning a military scholarship. In 1968, Carlton graduated with honors with a degree in Physical Therapy and on the very day he graduated, he formally enlisted in the US Army, boarded a plane, and reported to bootcamp. In 24 hours, Carlton went from a Buck Private to 2nd Lieutenant. He worked as an Occupational Therapist helping amputees from the Vietnam War and other veterans at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco. He obtained a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Colorado and later went on to receive a Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1980. Carlton holds the distinguished honor of becoming the first African American male to graduate from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. It was during this time where he met Jeri, who would become his wife, the mother of his two daughters, and partner of 35 years.

Carlton retired in 1996 as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Dental Corp as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. In 1995, he opened his own private dentistry practice in Aurora, CO and retired in March 2013. Carlton was a life-long learner and teacher; he always challenged his potential and even maintained his Colorado realtor license since 1973. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc and past president of American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Through military service, Carlton was able to see the world, and experience new cultures and cuisines. His desire to travel continued throughout his life. Carlton loved live music, art, chess, investing, technology, golf, and watching basketball and football. He enjoyed any chance to be competitive, engage in robust debate and discuss politics.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to support the Lymphoma Research Fund at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Please send your gift in memory of Dr. Carlton J. Floyd to: University of Colorado Foundation, PO BOX 17126, Denver CO 80217. On the memo line of the check, please note: Dr. Carlton J. Floyd 's name and make it payable to the CU Foundation. Gifts may also be made online at https://giving.cu.edu/fund/write-fund , including Carlton's name and the Lymphoma Research Fund in the comments. Unique giving link to come.

Memorial Service will be at 1pm Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Horan & McConaty, 11150 East Dartmouth Ave, Aurora CO 80014. Livestreaming of the service will be found at https://bxcited.com/carlton-james-floyd/. Reception follows in Heartlight Center.

Graveside with full military honors will be 11am Friday, February 3, 2023, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver.