Rayford Dave Lynn

Rayford Dave Lynn of New Smyrna Beach, Florida passed away on February 26th at the age of 70. Dave was born on August 28, 1954 on a “hot August night” in Birmingham, Alabama and moved with his family to Florida while in junior high. Dave graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida.

He later married and raised 2 children in New Smyrna Beach, Florida with active involvement in the life of First NSB: A Family Church (formerly First Baptist). Dave worked in various roles at Florida Power and Light (FPL) for the whole of his professional career, spending the most time as a Special Consumer Services Manager where he served a term on behalf of FPL as President of the Board of the Florida Council on Aging (a non-profit advocacy organization). He retired from FPL in 2022 after 39 years with the company.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Douglas Travis Lynn (father), Opal Marie Engle (mother), Danny Lynn and Dale Lynn (brothers). Dave is survived by his two children and their families: Reagan (son), Sarah (daughter-in-law), and Ira Lynn (grandson); and Chelsey (daughter), Derrik (son-in-law), Heidi, and Noah Nelson (grandchildren).

He was a tenor in school and church choirs and ensembles during much of his life. One of his most memorable performances was singing as part of the Florida All-State Chorus at the grand opening celebration for Walt Disney World in Orlando in 1971. He was an avid surfer earlier in life, and had a scar on his knee to prove the tale of when he accidentally fell on a shark. He particularly enjoyed music from The Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas, America, Claude Debussy, and jazz saxist Gato Barbieri.

Dave enjoyed supporting his children in athletics, including coaching his children in t-ball, encouraging their work ethic through basketball, and traveling to support them at their tennis matches from community middle school tournaments to collegiate championships.

He loved living in New Smyrna Beach and would often say it was “just another day in paradise.”

He was a member of First NSB (formerly First Baptist Church) for over 45 years, and served in many areas in the church ranging from serving as a deacon for a time, music ministry, 7th grade Sunday school, and young adult Sunday school.

During the last decade especially, a conversation with Dave during college football season often included an update on the University of Alabama football team. “Roll Tide!”

Dave considered being a “Daddy” and “Grandpa” to be among his most important accomplishments. Because his father, Doug, passed away before Reagan and Chelsey were born, being able to meet and love his own grandchildren was one of the highlights of his life. He often told his children his goal in life was to raise godly children who raise godly children. His grandchildren often asked when they could see “Pampaw” again between visits.

After learning of his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis at the end of October 2024, he moved from his beloved New Smyrna Beach to Tallahassee in December 2024 to be closer to Reagan, Chelsey, and their families. They acquired a treasure trove of meaningful memories following his diagnosis, particularly over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and during the two months they all lived in Tallahassee.

The family invites friends and family to a memorial service and celebration of Dave’s life on Saturday, April 26th at 11am at First NSB, A Family Church: 200 Faulkner St, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. "In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends of Dave consider donating to local causes that Dave believed in:

The Pregnancy Crisis Center

https://www.pccdaytona.org

https://www.pccdaytona.org/Donate

Halifax Urban Ministries

https://www.halifaxurbanministries.org/about-hum

https://www.halifaxurbanministries.org/donate

Faith Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements (850-539-4300 or www.faithfuneralhome.com)