Obituary of Emerson "Ray" Lyke
Emerson “Ray” Lyke (affectionately known as "Uncle Ray"), age 90 of LaSalle passed away at his home on March 8, 2019, comforted by his family.
Born in Combs Kentucky on October 24, 1928, Ray was one of seven children born to Roland Lyke and Loma (McCarty) Lyke. The family moved to Monroe where Ray attended school and met the love of his life Audrey Gray “Georgia” Shoffner; they were married on September 4, 1951 in Monroe while he was home on leave from the military. After a brief honeymoon, he was stationed in Germany where he served as a welder with the Fifth Army, 470th Engineering field maintenance company.
Being honorably discharged in 1953, Ray and Georgia started their own family and would be blessed with three children: Rocky, Cindy, and Jonathan who, in return blessed them with 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Ray was committed Christian and worked hard to provide for his family. Having worked for AP Parts and being an active member of UAW local 14 for over 32 years, he retired in 1992 and was able to do some of the many things he enjoyed such as gardening, bird watching, and travelling to visit family.
Being an accomplished musician on multiple instruments, he always enjoyed sharing his musical talents with others especially playing the harmonica at church; both he and Georgia attended and supported Bible Fellowship Church in Monroe. A man of prayer, praying for his family and those in need was a priority, as was showing the love of Jesus by both words and lifestyle.
Ray was also a skilled mechanic who could fix just about anything along with being amateur (ham) radio operator most of his life (call sign K8HEP). Additionally, he was a connoisseur of popcorn, skilled at not only cooking it to perfection but growing it as well; always to be shared at family gatherings.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his sister: Eula (Bootsy) Sparks, and two brothers: Rogers Lyke and Ronald Lyke.
Ray leaves behind his beloved wife: Audrey “Georgia” Lyke, children: Rocky (Sue) Lyke of Newnan Georgia, Cynthia (Bud) Pugh of Powderly, Texas and Jonathan (Terri) Lyke of LaSalle, sisters: Lowrene (Rene) Morgan of Monroe and Fern (Ed) Hamel of Maryland, brother: David (Fontella) Lyke of Monroe, as well as grandchildren: Amy (Jimmy) Callaway, Michelle (Andy) Ward, Travis Davis, Jeremy (Debra) Davis, Liston (Brittany) Davis, Nathan (Holly) Lyke, Daniel Lyke, Jacob Lyke, 14 great grandchildren, and numerous friends and relatives.
Friends may gather on Thursday, March 14, 2019, 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Life for Ray will take place on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 12:00 noon at Bible Fellowship Church in Monroe. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting our website at www.merklefs.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bible Fellowship Church or Christian missionary of your choice.