Robert Bruce Dyer

Robert (Bob) Bruce Dyer, 87, went home to his heavenly Father on Thursday, September 26, 2024. He was a beloved father and granddaddy whose life illustrated his priorities: Faith, Family, Community, and Corporate Life.

Bob was born to Beaulah Francis and Claud Bruce Dyer in Tulia, TX on February 17, 1937. He excelled at Texas Tech University studying Industrial Engineering and as an active member of Saddle Tramps, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and ROTC, which ultimately led him to his service in the United States Air Force.

Following his time in the Air Force in Cape Cod, Bob earned his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in only 18 months.

With his wife and young daughter Kathy, Bob accepted a role with Exxon U.S.A, bringing him back to Texas and making Houston his home. As his family grew with the birth of his two sons, Scott and then Steven, his career continued to thrive as he moved to Cooper Industries rising to Senior Vice President and leading Cooper’s acquisition strategy. During his tenure, Cooper Industries grew into a global, diversified company increasing sales from $145 Million to over $4 Billion annually.

In 1986, Bob joined Houston Industries (HI) to lead diversification efforts and was named President of HI’s Development Ventures, Inc., a venture capital organization providing start-up financing for small businesses. Through 1991, Bob led investment in and held leadership roles at a diversified portfolio of companies ranging from health care and asphalt recycling to Space Services, Inc. which ushered in the age of commercial spaceflight.

Following eight years as an entrepreneur operating his own Pinnacle International Capital Management, Inc., Bob found a deserving and rewarding opportunity at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church (MDPC). There, he applied his combined corporate and non-profit experience as Operations Director. Developing and helping execute strategic planning in finance and business operations, MDPC’s annual budget grew from $6.8 to $10.6 million dollars annually over his tenure to support the church’s broad commitment to both local and international charities.

Among Bob’s key contributions to MDPC were enhancing the church’s website, expanding food services, and growing planned giving. However, his vision, passion and execution in establishing Men’s Life in 2003 may be his greatest legacy at the church – impacting the spiritual lives of hundreds of men. Men’s Life started as an early Tuesday morning gathering of men for great coffee, spiritual conversation, and personal growth. The Men’s Life model is now emulated at churches across the greater Houston area and continues to minister in more than 20 different churches more than 20 years after its inception. Men’s Life is just one example of Bob Dyer’s commitment to creating a greater community at scale through applying his Christian faith to make a lasting, positive impact on others and building a greater/better community at scale.

Throughout his life, Bob demonstrated his commitment to service through leadership. He served as President of the Texas Tech University Alumni Association, Chair of the Crime Control Committee for the Houston Chamber of Commerce helping to establish CrimeStoppers in Houston, Chair of many boards including Texas Opera Theater, YMCA of the Greater Houston Area, Greater Houston Area American Red Cross and an active board member of Houston Grand Opera, United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast, The Women’s Home and Skills for Living. Bob was also instrumental in starting a weekly Men’s Bible and Prayer Small Group that continues today (now including women members!) and an active participant in medical mission trips to Guatemala with Faith in Practice.

This deep commitment to his faith and positive impact is first and further found in his role as a Dad to his three children from his marriage to Judy Grundy. Providing them with greater opportunities for experiences, education and career development. The lessons he shared were primarily driven by faith, doing the right thing whether you want to or not, perseverance, and seeking to continually improve both personally and the opportunities and experiences for others.

While certainly a serious parent, Bob loved his kids and was active with them through Little League Sports, Indian Guides, Astros Buddies and Astros games. He also relished the opportunity to take his Texas Tech son, Scott, to Minneapolis to see the Red Raiders in the NCAA Basketball Final Four. There were also trips for snow skiing, water skiing, and fly fishing and time to enjoy college football games, good wine, and occasional outings for live music in Houston and Austin. Further, he made valiant efforts to share his love for golf and his passion for opera. While these activities were all designed for fun, they ultimately resulted in quality time to grow together as a family. As a Granddaddy and Great Granddaddy, Bob cherished every opportunity to spend time and share smiles and life lessons with his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Bob Dyer nurtured lifelong friendships and loved his ever-growing family. He is survived by his daughter Kathy Dyer (Tom) Bendheim along with grandchildren Rebecca Bendheim, Bruce (Natalie) Bendheim, Lauren Bendheim, Julia Bendheim and grand-dog, Emme; his son Scott (Nadja) Dyer along with granddaughter Mekenna (Tim) Murray, great granddaughters Ellyse and Reagan Murray, grandson Tristram Dyer and grand-dog Chubbs; and his son Steven (Christine Gorman) Dyer and grand-dogs Dobie and Lyle Dyer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the the charity of your choice.