Horace G. Dyer

Horace G. Dyer, 94, of Martinsville, died Saturday, January 22, 2011 at King’s Grant Retirement Community where he was a resident. He was born in 1916 in Martinsville, VA to the late Hugh Nelson Dyer and the late Katherine Garrett Dyer. He attended public school in Martinsville and graduated from Martinsville High School and the College of William and Mary. After finishing school, his first job was at the first National Bank in Martinsville until inducted into the United States Navy where he served as a gunnery officer aboard the battleship U.S.S. Pennsylvania in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

He was active in the Martinsville Lions Club, being a past president and zone chairman for the district 24-A Lions International, a member and past president of the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Company, Secretary and Chairman of the Martinsville Board of Zoning Appeals, past president of George Waller Chapter of S.A.R., Treasurer and one of the organizers of Virginia Furniture Company, Inc., member of the Board of Directors of Stanley Furniture Company, Inc. until it merged with The Mead Corporation of Dayton, Ohio, member of the advisory Board of Virginia National Bank and member and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ferrum College.

He was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church, serving as board chairman, trustee and Sunday school teacher. At the time of his death he was a member of the Knights of Pythias and Sons of the American Revolution, having served as president. Mr Dyer was also a member of The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia, The Order of the White Jacket at the College of William and Mary, and Trustee Emeritus of Ferrum College.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris Vaughn Dyer, a son, David Frederick (Freddy) Dyer, a brother, Hugh Nelson Dyer, and a sister, Katherine Dyer Dudley.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne N. Dyer, one son, Thomas Gray Dyer, Sr. and wife,Cynthia, of Rural Hall, NC, one grandson, T. Gray Dyer, Jr. and wife, Heather, of Charlotte, NC, great- grandchildren Lucy and Nate, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the staff and personnel of all departments at King’s Grant for their loving tender care.

Memorials may be made to the Scholarship fund at Ferrum College Development Office, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088, or Lights of Love at King’s Grant, 350 King’s Way Rd, Martinsville, VA 24112.

A graveside service will be held Monday, January 24, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. at Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor Ron Mateer officiating.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at King’s Grant Victory Chapel.

Arrangements are by Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville Chapel.