Robert Ray Fordyce
Robert Ray Fordyce, 97, of League City, TX, formerly of Jacksonville, TX, passed away on Sunday, October 12, at Ignite Medical Resort. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 62 years, Helen Coleman Fordyce; his three sisters, Margaret Henry, Lucille Downerd, and Grace Call; his parents, John Delbert and Elsie Campbell; and his son-in-law, Larry Rogers.
Robert was born on July 6, 1928, in Winterset, Ohio. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, as a music major before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served aboard the battleship USS Mississippi (BB‑41) for four years as a Radioman 3rd Class. After his service, he returned to Muskingum to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Music and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Music from Indiana University.
In 1952, he married Helen Coleman and moved to Texas to accept a professorship at Lon Morris College in Jacksonville. There, he taught voice and choral studies to countless talented students and traveled extensively directing the Stella Russell Singers and accompanying the college’s Dixieland Jazz Band on piano. Together, they ministered for decades through music at First Presbyterian Churches in Jacksonville and Rusk.
He is survived by his sons, David Fordyce (Karen) of Allen, and Dan Fordyce of Savannah, GA; his daughter, Diane Rogers of League City; three granddaughters, Jessica Fordyce, Kara Shrum (Patrick), and Kelsey Campbell (Jason); two great-grandsons; four step-grandchildren, Lori Gregory (William), Kara Gonzalez (Chris), Kalyn Machupa (Billy), and James Rogers; five step-great-grandchildren and their spouses; and six great-great-grandchildren — and counting.
The family also wishes to acknowledge long-time family friend Ann Mayhugh, and the loving staff at Regal Estates in League City, for their kindness and care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the East Texas Food Bank at www.easttexasfoodbank.org.
Robert will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife Helen at Houston National Cemetery on November 24th at 11:15 a.m.
Wow,,, what a man and what a father!!!
Hate to hear this news, as well as another 1000 other singers who really learned to sing from him. I didn’t personally learn that much because I was 16-18 and already knew anything he could teach me. (Ha Ha)
His two sons are as marvelous as he was l, and I probably would have grown up to be better if I would have listened more!!! Living just down the street from them growing up,, I sure heard a lot of great singing not just in that family but from everyone who was ever touched by Mr. Fordyce. The angels better step up, or he’ll put them in their place running scales!!!
My love and prayers are with the family. I loved singing in the Stella Russell Singers under his direction at Lon Morris. Special love to his daughter and my friend, Diane.
My years at Lon Morris College and with the Stella Russell Singers (1978-1980) were some of the best and most memorable times in my life and Mr. Fordyce was a big part of the reason. Reading Neal’s comment above reminded me of how he and Mr. Fordyce would sometimes ‘bang heads’ when it was performance time but I’ve never been moved more than hearing Neal sing that solo he used to do…I believe the title was “One Voice”. Mr. Fordyce really new what he was doing when he gave Neal that solo. He was such a lovely man, a perfectionist perhaps, but so wonderful…and funny. Thank you Mr. Fordyce for all the music and memories. God bless his family.