Raymond Kent Fordyce
Raymond Kent Fordyce, 72, of Washington, DC, died on Thursday, December 24, 2015, at Hospice House in South Carolina after a long journey with emphysema and being hospitalized for several days due to a lingering respiratory illness.
Raymond “Kent” was born on August 28, 1943, in Cheswick, Pennsylvania, son of the late Kent and Leila Swann Fordyce.
Also deceased are his partner of 26 years, Francis Kenney; sister, Joan Kay Fordyce; and brother, Edward C. Fordyce.
Surviving are several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, a great-great niece, and cousins located in the U.S. and Germany.
Raymond was a 1962 graduate of Waynesburg High School in Waynesburg, and received his Bachelor of Arts in 1968 at Waynesburg College, where he studied English Literature and European and American History. He then moved to New Haven, Connecticut, and worked as Assistant Trade Book Manager for the Yale Co-Op and later became Manager of the Atticus Bookstore and Café at the Yale British Art Center.
In 1983, he moved to Adams Morgan, Washington, DC, and worked as Book Buyer for Lambda Rising, an LGBTQ bookstore. During his eight years at Lambda Rising, he became well known for his ability to anticipate the books that would not only become popular in the LGBTQ Community, but also with the general public. His dedication and retail sense greatly contributed to Lambda Rising’s success and stature in the LGBTQ Community, and he did it all behind the scenes and never sought to take credit for its success. He later worked for the Parks and History Association where he was a buyer for all 26 Parks and History Association shops in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. He also worked as a Bookseller at Reiter’s Scientific Books for several years before retiring. After retiring, he enjoyed daily social gatherings and “cookie time” at the Promenade with fellow residents. He valued the cultural diversity of Adams Morgan, where he lived for over 30 years.
In May 2015, due to a decline in his health, he moved to Anderson, South Carolina, to live closer to his niece and her husband. He became a resident of Brookdale Anderson Retirement Community where he continued his love of reading. He found new interests and camaraderie with other residents.
He was an avid reader, and had a great appreciation for science fiction and history and movies of the same genre. He had a very dry sense of humor, was quick witted, and loved telling colorful stories. He created eccentric art sculptures and sent whimsical letters and cards. He was a beloved uncle and great friend to many and will be deeply missed by his family and friends, both old and new.
Services will take place this spring at the Pine Bank Cemetery, in Greene County. For more information, please email raymondkentfordyce@gmail.com.