Stanley winger ‘Flash’ set up a garage supplies firm
JON MACPHERSON
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Accrington Stanley player and garage supplies business founder who has died after a short illness.
Raymond Byrom, from Oswaldtwistle, played for the Reds in 1957 before moving to Bradford Park Avenue two years later.
The pacey-left winger, known as ‘Flash’, was one of three members of his family to play for Stanley after his son Alan and grandson Joel also featured for the club.
After suffering a career ending injury in 1961, Ray worked for different motor supply companies in Blackburn and Burnley and Nork Engineering in Accrington before setting up Ray’s Garage Supplies in February 1972 with his wife Agnes.
The great-grandfather-offour passed away at Royal
Blackburn Hospital on Monday, January 6, surrounded by his loving family.
Agnes, who was married to Ray for 62 years, said: “He was fantastic as a dad and a husband. He was quite funny with his jokes and everybody loved him.
“We have spent a lot of time together. Even when he was a footballer we spent all our time together as he only had training in the morning.
“It’s 48 years since we started up the business. We started with a little second hand van and had it done up which cost £120 and he would be so proud to see how it has grown.
“I’m getting lots of cards and messages from people. It’s unbelievable. Everybody has been so kind and the family have been wonderful with me.
“I would like to thank everybody for all their kind wishes and cards.”
Over the decades Ray’s
Garage Supplies has grown to become one of the most recognised trades in the area and now employs around 40 staff.
The business is run by the couple’s three sons Alan, David and Craig.
After retiring from the company Ray and Agnes enjoyed travelling around the world, including visiting their apartment in Tenerife and family in Australia and Cyprus.
Ray was also a member of Immanuel Bowling Club in Oswaldtwistle and looked forward to getting on the green for a game of bowls with his team mates.
Alan, who had two spells with Accrington Stanley, said his father’s death came as a ‘big, big shock’.
He said: “He passed away at hospital in his sleep after a very short illness.
“He was very much liked by everybody and a funny guy. He was brilliant.
“They are very much travelled people. They had a great, fantastic life. It’s still a big shock for us.”
Accrington Stanley have also offered their condolences to Ray’s family.
The club said: “Everybody at Accrington Stanley FC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former winger Raymond Byrom, aged 85.
“Raymond was one of three members of his family to play for the Reds, with his son Alan and grandson Joel also representing the club.
“Everyone’s thoughts at Accrington Stanley are with Raymond’s family and friends at this sad time.”
A Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, January 24, at St Mary’s RC Church in Oswaldtwistle at 1.30pm, followed by a private ceremony at Accrington Crematorium.
A fleet of Ray’s Garage Supply vans will also follow the funeral procession from the church to the crematorium.