Dr. Norman Edward Dyer Sr., born August 1, 1936 in Waxahachie, TX to Edd D. Dyer and Irene (Server) Dyer, died November 13, 2018 in Dallas, TX. He attended Turner High School in Waxahachie, and was the Valedictorian for his graduating class. Dr. Dyer was a graduate of Prairie View A&M University of Texas, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Science Degree in Biology/Chemistry, and a graduate of Oklahoma University where he received his Ph.D. in Environmental Health/Toxicology from the College of Public Health.
Dr. Dyer served as the Toxicologist for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, on the Board of Unexplained Deaths and Poison Information Center in Oklahoma City. After moving to Dallas, Dr. Dyer worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 34 years. During his time with the E.P.A., Dr. Dyer directed the planning and execution of the Dallas Lead Studies which identified the extremely elevated soil lead levels in both South and West Dallas. He also directed the initial removal of the contaminated soil. His testimony at the U.S. Congressional Hearing, concerning the Dallas Lead Problem, was a factor in the decision by the C.D.C. to lower the blood lead level considered safe in children.
Dr. Dyer promoted public health through several organizations of which he was a member, these include; the Health and Safety Sub-Committee on Texas Area 5; Health Systems Agency; Board of Consultants, North Texas Poison Information Center; and the Board of Directors, Child Guidance Center.
Dr. Dyer researched and presented scientific reports and speeches throughout the U.S. and in other countries, including the International Conference on Energy and Environment in Cairo, Egypt.
Dr. Dyer was huge advocate of education and worked as an educator throughout his adult life. He was a Biology and Chemistry Teacher at Asberry High School in Yoakum, Texas. He also taught as an Adjunct Professor for the Evening Division at El Centro Community College; an Adjunct Professor at Paul Quinn College; and an Adjunct Professor for the Graduate Division Chemistry Department of the University of Texas at Arlington.
Dr. Dyer received several awards throughout his career, including the Gold Medal for Exceptional Service – for implementation Hazardous Materials Control Program; the Centennial Alumni Achievement Award from Prairie View A&M University; an award for making the 76th NAACP National Convention the most successful in the Annals of the NAACP; the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America, Circle Ten Council; and the Unsung Hero Award from the EPA Region 6 Employees Association.
Dr. Norman E. Dyer Sr. is survived by his wife of 58 years, Willie Mae Dyer, his son Norman E. Dyer Jr, his daughter-in-law Pamela Guyton-Dyer; his daughter Letitia N. Dyer; two sisters Geneva Kelly, and Minnie Dyer, a brother Frank Dyer Sr.; and five grandchildren.
Visitation/Wake will be on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at the Memorial Chapel at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6000 South R.L Thornton Frwy., Dallas TX 75232. Visitation will be from from 4 PM to 6 PM; Wake will be from 6 PM to 7 PM.
The Funeral Services will be at 11 AM on Monday, November 19, 2018 at Cedar Crest C.M.E. Cathedral, 1616 E. Illinois Ave., Dallas TX 75216.
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