James Ray McBryde

Senior Master Sergeant (Ret) James Ray (Ray) McBryde completed his assignment here on earth in the early morning hours of 5 March 2026. He served 94 honorable years.

Ray was born in Rose Hill, Covington County, Alabama on 14 December 1931. He always claimed he beat his twin sister Faye by at least a minute! His mother Minnie Belle McBryde never resolved the dispute and his father James Clifford McBryde claimed he could not remember.

He leaves behind his childhood friend and faithful companion of 73 years, Peggy Joyce McBryde. His daughter Jennifer Sue (Richard Stewart), his daughter Rebecca Ann (Greg Beyer) and a son James Keith (Debbie) McBryde. Ten grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. And also his brothers Vernon McBryde and Earl McBryde of Andalusia, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his twin sister Faye Clark and his brother Glade McBryde.

Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. And a year later he went back home to Alabama to propose to and marry Peggy Joyce Sasser. They married on 7 May 1953. Their 28 years of active-duty service carried them around the world to places including Alabama, Florida, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Tennessee, California, Japan, Greenland, Alaska, Vietnam and Utah. They made lifelong friends at each of those locations and faithfully kept in contact with them all through the years.

They were faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and they attended services at the Hill Air Force Base Chapel for over 50 years. He also served with the Chapels Men’s Group.

Ray’s hobby was his family. Ray’s joy was his family. Family meant everything to Ray. He and Joyce seldom ever missed a family milestone such as a graduation, marriage, or birth of new baby. They traveled together often to visit family and friends and were always ready for a new adventure involving new scenery.

Ray was an Alabama Southern Gentleman to the end. He never lost his southern drawl, his love of Fried Catfish and boiled peanuts. And was always ready to “put a little knowledge on you.”

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary prior to the serve.

Interment with full military honors will be held at Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton.

Ray you will be missed…but we troops will join you in time.