CLYDE TRAYLOR

Affectionately known as “Boots” in his early years in Louisiana, Clyde life’s journey began on March 30,1933, in Hico, Louisiana, as the 6th child to the parentage of James and Jewel Traylor. Clyde accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age at Providence Baptist Church under the tutelage of Rev. Dunn.

Clyde matriculated through Lincoln High School in Ruston, LA; and later Homer High School in Homer, LA, through the 11th grade, until he was drafted into the United States Army on June 18,1953 and served his country until May 1955. It’s during his time in the service, that he wrote to his beautiful bride of 66 years and ask her to “wait on him to marry.”

On December 25, 1955, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Summerfield, Louisiana, Clyde and Dorothy united in holy matrimony. They began their lives together in Dallas, in 1956. To this union, they became the proud parents of four boys and one girl. Two sons, Alvin (1981) and Kenneth (1989) preceded him in death.

Clyde was employed by Henry C. Beck construction company and retired from Lone Star Cement Plant.

Clyde was a deacon at New Mt. Corinth Baptist Church, under the late Rev. L. A. Andrew, and the late Rev. R. J. Roundtree, where he excepted his call into the ministry. On November 7, 1966, Clyde preached his first sermon. Years later, he served as the Ushers Convention President for 30+ years as a member of Unity Missionary Baptist District Association. In 1973, he was called to serve as the pastor of Spiritual Light Baptist Church in West Dallas. In 1974, he organized Sebethany Baptist Church in Oak Cliff, where he served as the pastor for 34 years and ordained two faithful deacons: Larry Roberts and David Washington. He attended and graduated from Inter-Racial Bible Institute, where the late Rev. E. K. Bailey was one of his instructors.

In the West Dallas Community, where he worked and served faithfully for 39 years, he was highly respected. He served numerous years as a member of the West Dallas Community Center’s (WDCC) Advisory Board, under the late, Leonard Long. He also served in the community with the Boy Scouts of America. 1983, Clyde was selected to be the baccalaureate speaker for his daughter’s graduating class at L. G. Pinkston High School; and she was the soloist.

On January 18, 2022, Clyde transitioned at the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital. Our many thanks to the professionals and staff at the VA for their service and staff for the past 50 years of Clyde’s life. He was a life member of the Dallas Disable American Veterans, Chapter 32.

Clyde leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of 66 years, Dorothy Buggs Traylor, two sons, Gabriel (Stephanie), and Darryl, and daughter, Stacey (Bernard); two daughters-in-law, Wanda Carter Traylor (Naples, TX) and Antoinette High Traylor; and a loving baby sister, Thelma L. Thomas, all of Dallas, Texas. Two sisters-in-law, Neva B. Kemp (Dallas, TX); Irene (James) Grigsby, of Fowler, CA; and a brother-in-law, Alfred (Suzanne) Buggs, of Homer, LA. He was the proud grandfather of 5 grandchildren (Kiwana Fields, Montague Pride, Tamela Traylor, DaKeitra Burns, DaKendrick Traylor, Arthur Brooks (US Army); Milani (Tim) Bowman Maritim, Ariel (Charles) Leslie, and Jordan Bowman); 11 great-grandchildren; his godson, Rev. William Woods, Dallas, TX; and two goddaughters, Cousin Tina (Ken); Moore of Dallas and Debra Barnes (Vackerville, CA); and a vast host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends