Floyd Ray Nye
November 8, 1947 - November 24, 2020
“He has slipped the surly bonds of Earth…”
Our pilot and navigator has taken off without us, leaving us bereft but so grateful for his life, for our time in his world.
Born in Powell, Wyoming, November 8, 1947, died November 24, 2020 from the ravaging effects of cancer and Covid 19. He was safe at home with his life partner and soul mate; as always just the two of us, holding hands.
Thanks to the LA Dodgers for making his last World Series a very happy one, shared with his favorite son!
A great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law, life partner, friend and coach who traveled great lengths to watch his kids and grandgirls participate in sports and dance, equestrian activities and whatever else, while never pushing them and always being supportive, in any decisions they made, regardless of their successes or failures. He was always such a patient guide and gentle teacher, whether it was waterskiing, batting practice, changing the oil in a car, swimming with his grandgirls, or getting back on a horse after being bucked off. He was definitely a beloved Poppa.
A man who honorably served his country in Vietnam, without choice via the draft, and was an Army Sergeant hero who saved many other American lives in fierce combat, with his bravery and leadership in the 25th Infantry. All of his platoon made it out alive. That was an achievement he valued the rest of his days. He received, among other awards, the Bronze Star with 2 Oak Leaf clusters. In 2012, we were privileged to go back to Vietnam, to see the people and culture he respected, to revisit the jungle underground and drop some old baggage. It was very healing, and he was able then to come home and write his memoirs about his time in the Army.
A man with total integrity, Floyd always did the right thing and taught his children to do the same. Always there with support and love for his wife of 53 yrs, siblings, parents, kids, and grandkids. He was a charming man, quick-witted and humble. He was in sales with Kraft Foods for nearly 30 years, taking early retirement at age 54. In our travels around the world, he met and made friends so easily, and once you were his friend, he never let you go, even though he was so quiet about it.
Aside from baseball, travel, and his family, Floyd’s other great love was aviation. He loved his cute little Piper Cherokee and we had some grand adventures in the sky. Fly high, Nye.
Floyd’s parents, Bud and Ercel Merkley Nye, preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Karla; son, Jared (Kelly, Roseville, CA) and their daughters Abby and Amanda. Daughter Vanessa Fravel, (Lance, Salt Lake City), their daughter Grace. Precious sisters Ann Maestas (Lorenzo) and Sharon Sage. He had a huge world of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, in-laws and coworkers whom he appreciated.
Taken from this earth way too young; all who knew him would agree.
Interment will be on Friday, September 24, 2021at 1:00 pm at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, beneath the tall trees where the deer graze.
A Celebration of Floyd's life will follow at Starks Funera Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Happy landings, Dear One.
In Loving Memory
Floyd was a big part of my growing up years in the neighborhood. I remember Floyds family moved from Cody Wyoming. Bud worked for Gibbons & Reed Construction building roads. I remember Bud was hauling a bulldozer on a low boy trailer and lost control of his truck. Bud told Floyd to open the door and jump when he told him to go! The binder chains came loose, and the bulldozer came partially of the trailer stopping the truck. I remember they first lived in a blue and white trailer on the property in Murray on third east until Bud built the house, they lived in. I remember when Floyd broke his arm. I remember Floyd moved to Barstow California for about one year, Bud was building roads again. I remember when Floyd moved back, he was playing the trumpet. I remember Floyds dog SHORTY; he would howl when he played the trumpet. I remember Floyds magpie bird he kept behind the house. That bird loved ground beef. Floyd tried to teach it to talk to no avail. I remember the Beat Nick party Ercel had in the basement for Floyd and all his neighborhood friends, with the Wet Paint sign by the back door that glowed in the dark. I remember we made ice cream using a manual crank machine. I remember Floyd had his cousin sit on the machine to keep it from moving while we all took a turn cranking. I remember Floyd played first base on our little league baseball team. I remember we won four and lost fourteen! I cried when we lost, Floyd just kept smiling. I remember practicing base ball in the back yard and hitting Ann in the teeth with the bat. I remember he played offensive tight end on the high school football team. For some reason they always passed the ball to the other guy. I remember cutting Floyds hair in Jim’s barber shop when he returned home from the army. I remember Floyds 1960 Red and White Plymouth Fury, the cat’s meow. All my memories of Floyd are happy ones. May his memory continue to be a blessing to Karla and his family. Kent Chesley Anderson, Herriman Utah
Kent Anderson
Herriman, UT
I was very sad to hear that Floyd had passed away. I worked with him at Kraft and he was always very kind and upstanding. He will be greatly missed.
Lauree Geldray
Magna, UT
Ann and Sharon We are so sorry for you for the loss of your brother. Bob and Tinia Drennan
Bob Drennan
nan, nan
Dear Karla and Family, Our hearts are hurting for you, and for the loss of Floyd, who is gone too soon. May God be with you and guide you that you can find some peace and promise that he will always be with you. The memories you have will be kept in your hearts forever. As you go through these difficult days ahead of you, may you reflect on those beautiful memories. Floyd is a shining star in heaven, and was a shining star here on earth. Love to all of you.
Doug & Barbara Roberts
Sandy, UT
What a great man he was. Always meet you with a smile and a welcoming handshake. His kindness touched me deeply and I will never forget him. Prayers for the family going through this tough time.
Steven Sea
Little rock, Ar
My dear cousin Karla, I feel your loss, as we all lost an amazing man. I remember him always greeting me at family reunions & his smile. Always glad to see the two of you, made coming home such a warm feeling. 1 of the 3 Floyd's that I keep close in my life. You know the other 2. Loving memories & prayers to you.
Evalynn Wisner
Pocatello, ID
Dear cousins Karla, Ann, Lorenzo, Sharon, and families, I am saddened to learn of Floyd's illness and passing. He was always kind to me, and I remember his great smile. He will be missed. May you be blessed and comforted in the days and years to come.
Gayle Sandquist
Sandy, UT
Dear Karla and Family, I express my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and you family for the loss of your husband and father. I am so sorry you have to experience this painful event. He was and is a wonderful person. I am grateful to have attended high school with both of you and thus learned to appreciate your friendship over the years. I have nothing but good memories of you and Floyd. I mostly remember Floyd as a team mate on the football field and in classroom settings. He was aways an upbeat and positive person. I remember him as one who was not afraid of tackling hard and completing his assigned responsibility. We both played defensive end. My memory of him was that we could always depend on him. It sounds like he was that way the rest of his life. May the Lord bless you and all of us with kind, gentle, and comforting memories as we go forward in life. Sincere condolences, Jim Butler
Jim Butler
West Jordan, Ut