Ray Lyde Sr.

Ray Lyde Sr. obituary, Paterson, NJ

Ray Lyde Sr.

Ray Lyde Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Carnie P. Bragg Funeral Home, Inc. - Paterson on Jun. 20, 2022.

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In the beauty of a day created by God and now consumed forever in eternity, Ruby Lee Lyde gave birth to a baby boy who she named Ray. He became the first of her children and the oldest of ten. Born in Darlington, SC Ray began his early education in Florence and in Chapel Hill. At age fifteen, Ray journeyed to Paterson, NJ with his Aunt Hon, and his cousin JC, periodically returning to the South for a few vacations and visits with family and friends. It was in Paterson that he expanded his love of sports which ardently began as a student at Eastside High School and the love of sports carried him well into his eighth decade of life.
As a student at Eastside High School, Ray was a versatile super athlete who came out of Eastside in the late fifties. He was an outstanding player in football where he held the position of quarterback and participated in many alumni games between Eastside High School and Central High School. Throughout his lifetime, Ray played, coached, and managed teams across the world of sports including football, basketball, semi-pro baseball and fastpitch softball. His many accomplishments as a Patersonian also led him to form the Paterson Instructional Midget Football League over 35 years ago. PIMFL's goal was to teach young boys the game of football including sportsmanship, fair play, character, and leadership. Through PIMFL's efforts and the league's success, several football players became outstanding at the college and pro levels. In addition, Ray was able to build a contingent of volunteer coaches, advisors and sponsors for football and cheerleading in the city of Paterson. He stayed in touch with these young people throughout the years. It was at Calvary Baptist Church that Ray met and married his wife, Jeanette. They were life partners for 54 1/2 years before he transitioned. To that union, two children were born, Ray I4de, Jr., and Jalyn Elizabeth Lyde.
In addition to sports, Ray was passionately committed to providing resources in the community while being an active member at Calvary Baptist Church. He served as captain for the Relay for Life arm of the Americ4n Cancer Society leading the Calvary Baptist Church team to raise more than $20,000 for more than five years. Whatever he set his mind to, he intended to excel and succeed. As an active member of Calvary Baptist Church for more than 60 years, Ray participated in many ministries. He and his wife served as Presidents of the Couple's Club and he organized and led the Calvary Baptist YMCA basketball team to several championships in the late 60's. It was through him that the Men's ministry was born which he led for many years. Under his leadership, they were able to give outstanding man of the year awards and because of his tenacity many men increased their involvement on the life of the church. He himself was selected as a Roberta Johnson Guild recipient and the Deacon Willie C. Nickerson Man of the Year Award. Ray led many of the church outings throughout the years. He was a faithful Vice-chairperson of the Trustee Ministry. Ray had the uncanny knack for getting people involved: men, women, children, youth, and young adults in the life of the church. As a member of the Paterson Public School District Ray led parents with Home School Council Initiatives as a Parent Coordinator He visited homes, met parents outside of school hours and spoke with the children while they were in and out of school. Ray retired after 25 years of service and continued to make his mark in the city Just recently in 2021 the city of Paterson named the former Putnam Oval the Ray Lyde, Sr Field. He threw out the first pitch April 1, 2022. Though adversity impacted his health, Ray never gave up a fight. He fought his health challenges with dignity leaning heavily. on his faith in God and leaving his future in God's hands.
In addition to his mother, Ray was preceded in death by his brother Marion Wilder, his sisters Josephine Pight, Virginia Wilder Grant, and Mary Ann Wilder.
He leaves to cherish his memory his precious wife Jeanette S. Lyde, his son Ray, Jr. (Michelle), his daughter Jalyn Elizabeth, his sisters, Sheila Smith and Gloria Wilder of Boston, MA, Elaine (Royston) Wilder Dean of Greensboro, NC, Leroy Wilder and Gene (Louise) Wilder of Florence, SC. In addition, he is survived by his beloved precious grandsons A'khoury Zaire Lyde and Amari (Chip-Chip) Jhce Lyde, three goddaughters, Ericka Holloway, Cursha Riley and Rylee Harrington, as well as his MANY nieces and nephews from the Lyde, Smith and Thompson families along with a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.
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1 Entry

John Grant Jr

June 17, 2025

You were my Mom's oldest brother. I heard so many stories about you from all of my family in Florence, South Carolina. I only met you a few times as a child and the the last time was at your Mother's (my Grandma) funeral. I always wished I had come to Paterson to visit you but never did. I'm thankful for the opportunities I did have to speak with you on the phone. You did some great things during your lifetime Uncle Ray. Take your rest. Love you Bro!

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Carnie P. Bragg Funeral Home, Inc. - Paterson

256 Rosa Parks Blvd., Paterson, NJ 07501

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