LAGRANGE – Buddy Loyd has been a fixture on the local tennis scene for decades, and now his name will be a permanent part of the McCluskey Tennis Center.

During a ceremony at the tennis center on Saturday afternoon, a shade canopy that has been named in Loyd’s honor was unveiled on one of the courts.

Numerous members of Loyd’s family, including his four daughters, were on hand to take part in the ceremony, and play in the Patti Teaver tournament that was held the same day.

It was a surprise for Loyd, who was introduced by McCluskey Tennis Center head professional Bill Champion.

“I really have enjoyed this place in my lifetime,” Loyd said. “It’s a real pleasure to be honored in this way.”

One of Loyd’s daughters, Lynn Pauley, said her father “could be found at the tennis courts every Sunday afternoon, every Tuesday night.”

“We always loved to tag along to the tennis courts,” she added. “Dad passed down to us a love of the game, and the tennis spirit. Some people call it a temper. We like to call it the competitive spirit.”

Pauley said she appreciates her father for instilling in her a love for what she called “a life-long sport.”

“So many of our memories and friendships that we’ve made here, are life-long,” she said. “It’s just a great place to be.”

Another one of Loyd’s daughters, Emily Mansour, said her father “always looked like he was having such a great time out there.”

“I have learned a lot of things from my dad,” she said. “How to properly throw a racket without breaking it.”

On a serious note, Mansour said she “learned how to love and appreciate the game of tennis,” and she’s grateful for the “many, many friendships that we’ve made over the years.”

Reach Kevin Eckleberry at (706) 884-7311 or on Twitter @lagrangesports