CLOVER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — On Monday, friends and family of a South Carolina man will come together to honor and remember him.
Ray Lail died fewer than two weeks ago after getting hit by a vehicle while riding his bike to work.
“He was a good guy,” said Brittany Lail, Ray’s daughter. “He was a good dad.”
That’s the way Ray’s family members are remembering him.
“He was always there when I needed him,” said his niece, Harley Nanke.
On Sunday, surrounded by flowers with sympathy cards and photos of Ray through the ages, they welcomed people for a visitation to celebrate his life.
“I don’t want another family to have to go through this,” said Nanke. “I really do not.”
The 57-year-old was riding his bike along South Carolina Highway 55 near Soaring Eagles Road at about 6:30 the morning of February 20. Troopers said a sedan ran into him from behind, killing him.
“We don’t have closure,” said Nanke. “We don’t know what exactly happened February 20 that morning.”
MORE | Clover cyclist killed another reminder to drivers use caution on the roads
It’s unclear whether or not investigators will file charges against the driver.
“He didn’t deserve this and just want to know what happened in that moment,” said Brittany.
It’s left the family loved ones with several questions.
“What happened?” said Ray’s son, Brett Lail. “How did it happen? Why did it happen?”
Without answers, they’re finding it hard to move forward.
“We’re like in a rut until we’re able to get answers and the closure that we need,” said Brett.
Ray’s loved ones will gather Monday afternoon for his funeral at Independent Baptist Tabernacle in Dallas, where he was a member for many years.
“It’s going to be hard,” said Brett. “We’re just going to have to stand close to the family and lean on each other, lean on our faith and know that he’s at rest with our mother.”
The family hopes Ray’s story will remind drivers to pay extra close attention on the roads when cyclists are around.
