Roy Ray Dykes

March 1, 2011.

The family will receive visitors Friday, March 4, 2011 between

6:00-8:00 p.m. at the family's residence. A private family ceremony

will be held at a later time.

He was born in Honey Grove, TX on Dec. 26, 1923. Even as a young boy, he loved learning. He taught himself to read before he ever went to school. This set him on his path to become an educator and make a difference in the lives of the students he taught.

He had a fire in him that drove him to go beyond the daily teaching duties. He was well known for his surprise antics and unique approaches in the classroom. On the first day of class each year, he would jump flat-footed from the floor to his desktop and perform the poem "The Congo" by Vachel Lindsay. It was always a hit. He loved his students like his own children and dedicated his teaching to them. He was a classroom teacher, a basketball coach, a U.I.L. coach, a principal, a friend, and the most loyal supporter of every school with which he was privileged to be a part. Most of his teaching was spent in the West Texas area. He taught at Ector High, Odessa High, Odessa College, Noel Center, and Rankin I.S.D. to mention a few. He dedicated 50 years of service in education.

He loved gardening and took pride in growing beautiful flowers and keeping a manicured yard. No matter how dry or how hot the climate, he managed to create beauty. He loved God, children, animals, his family and most of all, his three wonderful grandsons: Keith Austin Dykes(24), Clay Cooper Coleman(23), Kristopher Ryan Dykes(22), and one wonderful granddaughter,Tracy Jennifer Coleman McCumber(32) and husband Keith McCumber.

He served his country during WWII from 1943 to 1946 in the United States Navy as a Seaman First Class(RM) V-6 SV USNR. He was awarded the Victory Medal; American Campaign Medal; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; Aslatic Pacific Campaign Medal; and the Phillipine Liberation Campaign Medal. He received a U.S. Naval Reserve Honorable Discharge Ribbon and Honorable Service Lapel/Button Issued. He loved his country with all his heart.

He was a charter member of the Sherwood Church of Christ and loved his church and church family dearly. He served his Lord with reverence, and he walked in faith throughout his life.

He married his wife, Ruth Cooper in 1948. They have celebrated 62 years of marriage. They have one daughter, Cindy Rae Coleman (Ross) of Kingsville, TX and one son, Robert Clay Dykes (Janet) of Odessa, TX. He is survived by three grandsons, Keith, Clay and Kris and one granddaughter, Jenny and two great-grandchildren, Duncan and Allison McCumber along with numerous nieces and nephews and many other loving relatives and friends. He was the last remaining family member of his four sisters and three brothers.

Arrangements are under the direction of Odessa Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Hospice House of Odessa or a charity of your choice.