Raymond Eugene “Sugaray” Dyke Jr.

Raymond Eugene Dyke Jr, affectionately referred to as “Sugaray”, age 50, fell asleep in death Tuesday September 27, 2022, at Lynchburg General Hospital surrounded by the love of his mother and eldest sister.

Born February 1, 1972, in Lynchburg Virginia, he graduated from Heritage High School (class of 1990), and from Virginia College at Salem (class of 1996). Ray was passionate about animals from an early age was widely considered to be the foremost expert on reptiles, fish, insects, arachnids and amphibians. He was an outgoing, funny, compassionate person with a natural gift for making friends.

As the lone survivor of a devastating car accident that sadly, took the life of his good friend Jeff Pelton and others in 1993, Ray was left a paraplegic. Following the accident and grueling recovery he resumed attending the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Roanoke, VA and was later baptized. Although he struggled throughout the years Ray recently made a concerted effort to rekindle his relationship with Jehovah; even attending the congregation meetings on Zoom during the pandemic while in extreme pain due to advanced illness. An important lesson Ray learned through his faith was perseverance, endurance and humility. His faith also allowed him to convert his anger, depression and pain into opportunities to motivate and educate others about the dangers and consequences of drinking and driving, especially high school students. As a spokesperson for MAAD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and Rush Homes among others, Ray gave many speeches and granted television, newspaper and magazine interviews. He had a prominent social media presence with over 4,100 “Facebook Friends”. His “signature” photos were of his pet snakes or bearded dragons draped on him like accessories and of his beloved dog Leo. Ray was always busy making new posts and as such left an extensive collection of positive affirmations and motivational videos that will be cherished.

Ray is survived by his parents Raymond (Deborah)Dyke, Sr. and Patricia (Bruce)Johnson of Lynchburg VA

Siblings, Alina Dyke Weeks of Lynchburg VA, Jessica Dyke of Pittsburgh PA, Brittany Dyke of Virginia Beach VA, and Keith Anderson of Lynchburg VA; four nieces, Diamond (Mikhail) Carmichael of Lumberton NC, Ashia (Quan) Ward of Madison Heights VA, Ebonee Weeks of Lynchburg VA and Sunnie Davis of Virginia Beach VA, one nephew, Cameron Ferguson of Lynchburg VA; one great nephew; six great nieces; a stepmother Maryland (Lamont) Gibson, and a host of many other loving relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers on our behalf.

A very special thank you to the Palliative Care team, Doctors, Nurses and Aides on the Lynchburg General Hospital Oncology Unit for providing such outstanding and dignified Comfort Care for our dear loved one. You will never be forgotten.

When asked how he wanted to be remembered “Sug” simply said:

“As a man who loved his family and had a lot of animals.” ~ So, it shall be.

A “Friends and Family Meet and Greet”, will be held Friday, October 28, 2022, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, 220 Breezewood Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502. A Memorial Service will be October 29, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 319 Wiggington Road Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.

Click here to view Mr. Raymond Eugene Dyke Jr.’s Tribute Video.