Clyde Sallie

The Life of Clyde Sallie

Clyde T. Sallie was born on June 1, 1936, to William and Bell Sallie in Duck Hill, Mississippi. Clyde accepted the Lord as his personal savior at an early age and was baptized at Wilkins Chapel Baptist Church. 

Growing up on the farm was hard work.  He developed a strong work ethic which carried him through his entire life.

Clyde was the eldest of six children.  Clyde lost his mom when he was fourteen years old and his father re-married.  This union brought together William and Geneva Sallie, and they welcomed eight children for a total of 14 children. Today we call it a blended family. 

In search of better opportunities Clyde came to Grand Rapids to live with his uncle and aunt, Ira and Naomi James.  He found employment immediately upon his arrival with the goal of helping his brothers and sisters come to Grand Rapids. 

Clyde was young and good looking, and the ladies were trying to catch his eye.  He met the love of his life Miss Annie Mae Lipsey, and she captured his heart forever.  They welcomed four children. 

Over the years, Clyde and his family were members of the Potter’s Street Church of God in Christ, True Light Baptist Church, Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, Tree of Life Synagogue and Brown Hutcherson Ministries.  Clyde cherished the Bible; the word of God and he was always there to lend a helping hand.

Clyde worked for over forty years at Paulstra CRC where he was President of the local URW union.  This showed his ability to lead and negotiate for others.

Clyde was a lifelong learner as well as an inventor.  He held a patent for the indoor/outdoor CTS fireplace cooker, and he also made barbecue grills.  

Clyde was preceded in death by parents William, Ora Bell and Geneva Sallie, his wife Annie Mae Sallie, his daughter Mona Lynn Sallie, his brothers William, and James Sallie, his sisters, Lennie (Harold) Wright and Louise Love, in-laws, Robert (Velma) Lipsey, Jake (Elsie) Lipsey, Bennie (Mary) Lipsey, Georgia (Shed) Johnson, Lewis (Mavis) Lipsey,  Hazel Smiley, and Walter (Lena), (Clara) Lipsey.

He is survived by his children Robin Lewis(Lynnetta) Sallie, Benjamin Keith Sallie, and Kristi Annette Sallie, his siblings Claude (Bernice) Sallie, Jessie (Gloria) Sallie, Lula Stewart, Arneada Smith Alexander, Henry Sallie, Marianne Sallie, Ernest (Becky) Sallie, Lennie Louis, and Marie (Frank) Walker, special aunt, Faye Henderson,  his seven grandchildren Tanqueka Anderson, Shawntay Hill, Lakeysha (Nigel) McFarrin, Jeremy(Lolita) Allen, Brandon Taylor, Zamari Sallie Christian Lawrence, and Jason Jackson.  special cousin Ellen James, special nephews Haze (Ruth) Webster, Lewis Lipsey, Darryl Lipsey, special niece Suzette Smiley, twenty-five great grandchildren, and seven great, great grandchildren.