Lonnie Ray Cryer remembered for family, music and photography

Lonnie Ray Cryer, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on July 28, 2026. He was 73.

Cryer’s death connected the Ocean Springs family to his Meridian roots. He was born in Meridian on Sept. 28, 1952, as the oldest son of Leavie and Annie Pearl Baylor Cryer.

His family remembered Cryer for his quiet strength, love of music and photography, and unwavering devotion to those closest to him.

Cryer leaves his wife, Mary Cryer of Ocean Springs, and his children, Derek Woods of Meridian, Carmen Cryer of Huntsville, Alabama, Victor Cryer and Brian Cryer of Ocean Springs. His grandchildren are Ethan, Tatum and Kasey.

His surviving brothers include Owen Cryer and Wayne Cryer of Meridian, Michael Cryer of Olive Branch, Alvin Cryer of Memphis, Tennessee, Gregory Cryer of Omaha, Nebraska, and Kerry Cryer of Killeen, Texas. Their spouses are Betty, Monica, JoEtta, Dalishia, Theresa and Katina Cryer, respectively.

His surviving sisters include Marion Harris of Augusta, Georgia; Augustine Merrell; Barbara Brown; Terrey Roberts of Meridian; Jewel Cryer of Olive Branch; Debra Luster of Nashville, Tennessee; and Kimberly Cryer of Dallas, Texas. The family also named Terrence Roberts, Norbert Luster and the spouses of other siblings in its survivor listing.

Cryer’s parents, Leavie and Annie Pearl Baylor Cryer, died before him. The family also remembered his grandson, Logan Scott Cryer; nieces Ashton Cryer and Sonja Cryer Hardy; sister Gloria Cryer Willis; and brother Vernon Leavie Cryer, who preceded him in death.

The July 28 death brought together family ties spanning Meridian and communities in Mississippi and several other states. Cryer’s survivors include relatives in Lauderdale County, where he was born and where several of his siblings and his son Derek Woods live.

The family provided no funeral or memorial-service details in the available notice.