Waymon - Ray- Ladd

LADD, Waymon E. 'Ray' - Age 74, of Fenton, died Wednesday, December 28, 2005 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30AM Saturday, December 31, 2005 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton, Rev. Fr. David Harvey celebrant. Burial will follow in Tyrone Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held 6-9PM Thursday, 1-4 and 6-9PM Friday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 Silver Lake Rd., Fenton and from 9:30AM until the time of Mass Saturday at church. A vigil service will be held 7PM Friday at the funeral home. Those desiring may make contributions to the American Heart Association, Heritage Hills Children's Ministry or St. John GIFT Campaign. Waymon was born July 15, 1931 in Williford, AR, the son of Shelby and Bessie (Wilkerson) Ladd. At the age of five, the family moved to Hazel Park, MI. He was a 1950 graduate of Hazel Park High School where he was a member of the swim team, band and football team. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, he served as a sergeant during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Ladd then attended Central Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelors and Masters degree. He was also president of Phi Kappa, while at Central. In 1958, his teaching career began at Fenton High School, where he would spend the next 43 years. During his years teaching in Fenton, he served in many capacities. Ray was the president of the Teachers Union for two terms and was a successful cross-country and track coach winning many conference/metro league championships. Mr. Ladd became a trusted mentor and confidant to students and faculty members alike. He was health obsessed, competing in the Masters Lifting Association. He held many records for his age category. The Power House Gym was a place he enjoyed four days a week. The gym provided him not only fitness, but camaraderie and fellowship. Following his retirement, many hours were spent with the grandchildren playing ball, swimming, boating, tractor rides and watching the boys play hockey. His children hold him as a mentor in which to model their respective lifestyles. He was more than a Dad to them all, he was a true friend and respected counselor. His devoted wife, Mary Alyce enjoyed their lifestyle and many trips to Arkansas to visit the homestead and acquaint themselves with relatives at the annual reunions. Surviving are: his wife of 45 years, Mary Alyce; children, Greg and wife Polly, Jeff and wife Liz, Mark and wife Angela, Michelle and husband Matt Laurence, all of Fenton; 11 precious grandchildren; mother-in-law, Alyce Cook of Fenton; brother, Laymon and wife Theresa Ladd of Madison Heights; sisters-in-law, Sue and Ray Freeburg of Waterford, Amata and Jim Driscoll of Powell, OH; special niece, Deborah Allison of Grand Rapids; many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Ray Cook; sister, Juanita Allison; brother-in-law, Everett Allison; niece, Diane Allison Vassell. Friends may share an on-line condolence for the family or post a tribute at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com