Herman G. Wylie

Herman Grant Wylie was a big fish from a small pond. Born to Bessie Carroll and Andrew Ratliff, he was raised in Jackson, Mississippi and was affectionately known as Buster. Herman prided himself on his incomparable combination of athletic prowess and intellectual ability. As the oldest of seven children (Yvonne Wylie, Mary Wylie, Brenda Wylie, Lannell McGee, Sheila McGee, Betty McGee), he took great pride in doing his part to care for each of them as best he could. He took on a newspaper route, did yard work, and when possible worked the gates at Jackson State football games. To some it was not much, but to Herman, it was a welcomed responsibility. He endured significant hardship while in Mississippi, but found great comfort in listening to Jackson States' Sonic Boom of the South as they marched across campus.

Although he endeavored to study at Jackson State, the winds of life blew him to Denver, Colorado. Herman attended and graduated from West High School, and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Adams State University. He enlisted in the United States Army and spent a brief period on active duty before receiving an honorable discharge.

While navigating life’s changes and establishing himself as a formidable gametime announcer and radio host, Herman married VaLeta Duncan (Wylie). Their fourteen year union brought forth two children; Lonnell Grant Wylie (1982) and Veronica LoNette Wylie (1985). During this time, Herman worked at Cherry Creek High School and later at Highlands Ranch High School. At both schools, he was a well respected teacher and Speech and Debate Coach. He lead both teams to success at the state and national level in various categories. Of all of his professional endeavors, his time as a Speech and Debate Coach was the highlight.

Herman later met and married Sandra Wylie who cared for him to the best of her abilities. He welcomed her children and grandchildren into his life, and gained their love and respect. In a world of difficulty and darkness, she was the light at the end of his tunnel. With a smile on his face, Herman took his final breaths on the morning of Friday, August 29, 2025.

Herman is preceded in death by his mother Bessie and son Lonnell, a loss that never quite lost its sting. He leaves his remaining children: Veronica and Darryl, wife Sandra, his siblings, and a host of

grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends to cherish his memory.

We do not leave this earth until our work has been completed. Herman not only gave a voice to young people, but he gave them permission to walk in their creativity. He taught us, through his imperfections what it meant to genuinely forgive and to love beyond our faults. Once asked what he wanted his legacy to be, Herman stated, “I can’t say for sure but I want the world to know that I am greater than my mistakes, and I want them to know that my mistakes gave me my greatest accomplishments - my children.” Let his life remind us all that God can most certainly take us from the worst version of ourselves to a version that we never knew possible; the best version of ourselves where we live with purpose and walk in truth. Well done Mr. Wylie.

A visitation for Herman will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Church In the City Beth Abraham, 1580 N Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80206, followed by the funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A committal service will occur Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM with Military Honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236 Staging Area C.