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Waymouth Lewis Wyche Sr., of Pemberton, New Jersey, formerly of Water Mill, died on December 19 at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills, New Jersey. He was 83.
Born in Southampton, he graduated from Southampton High School in 1952. At school he was an outstanding athlete, setting multiple records for football and track. After graduation, he received an invitation to try out for the New York Yankees, a notable achievement for a man of color at the time; however, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 and served until 1972, which included several tours in Vietnam. He was presented with the a Bronze Star for his “outstanding meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force” while serving from October 1967 to October 1968. The citation with the medal states that he “consistently manifested exemplary professionalism and initiative in obtaining outstanding results” and that “his rapid assessment and solution of numerous problems inherent in a counter insurgency environment greatly enhanced the allied effectiveness against a determined and aggressive enemy.” Staff Sergeant Wyche was attached to Company E, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry of the 1st Infantry Division.
On November 7, 1970, Mr. Wyche married Armante and the couple had three children. After his retirement in 1973, he settled in Pemberton and was employed by Marriott as a contract manager.
A hardworking, family man, Mr. Wyche also was involved in his community, coaching youth sports teams, including basketball, baseball and football. He was a member of the Bridgehampton Baptist Church, Buffalo Soldiers, the Eden Stanley American Legion Post #294 and the Andrew Phillip Corbin VFW Post #10065, where he was a former state commander. Survivors also said he loved barbecue, playing the lottery and gathering with friends for a game of cards.
Mr. Wyche is survived by his wife, Armante M. Wyche; children, Shelly A. Heagen and husband Kevin, Waymouth Jr., Gary L. and wife Chasity; grandchildren, Kevin, Sierra, Diamond, Waymouth III, Taysha, Erica, Jace, Justin and Jayden; brothers, Cornelius and wife Mary, and Moses Jr.; and many relatives and friends.
on Jan 4, 2016