Ralph Jennings Sayre III of Gilbert, South Carolina, a descendant of Ralph Jennings Sayre who owned Bridgehampton’s Overlook Farm, died on December 12, 2019. He was 70 and his remains were interred in a family plot; an old milk bottle from the farm was used as the urn.
Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on October 30, 1949, he graduated from North Carolina State University with a double major in mathematics and physics.
A fellow of the Society of Actuaries, he worked as a consulting actuary for more than 30 years and founded two companies: Sayre & Sayre and Actuarial Resources Corporation of Georgia and Florida. He was proud of his children’s professional accomplishments, two of whom followed in his footsteps as actuaries.
In his later years, Mr. Sayre enjoyed spending time with his wife, Susan, working with horses at Willow Springs Equestrian, wintering at the condominium in Florida, and traveling. Survivors said his childlike enthusiasm was infectious and that the smile on his face and the joke on his lips were endearing. He was respected by his colleagues and adored by his grandchildren.
Mr. Sayre leaves a rich legacy of stories about the activities he enjoyed, including water and snow skiing, golf, motorcycles, reading, rock climbing, triathlons, recreational flying and riding his Jet Ski. His zest for life lives on in the family folklore, as does his patient nature, resilience and gentle humor while he taught them to water ski.
His family was his highest priority. He set a high standard, by example, for his children, but always in a gentle and encouraging way. Survivors said they always knew they had his unconditional support in whatever challenges they may have.
Mr. Sayre is survived by his wife, Susan; his four children, Matthew Sayre (Laura) of Georgia, Suzanna Grace Sayre (Mike) of Denver, Stephanie Sayre Smith (Brett) of Tacoma, and Mark Sayre (Cabot) of New York City; his sisters, Jackie Elliot (Roger) of North Carolina, and Sally Weinrich (Martin) of South Carolina; six grandchildren, Dylan Mansour, Alyssa Sayre, Kelsey Sayre, Onalee Smith, Sayre Smith, and KJ Smith. He is also survived by Susan’s son, Ryan Gyles (Lindsay) of South Carolina. He was predeceased by his father, Ralph Jennings Sayre II; and his mother, Lula Grace Sayre.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America or a charity of choice.
27east on Jan 2, 2020