1936 – 2016
HOUSTON, Texas — Richard “Dick,” “Richie,” “Yank,” Willard Dyer entered into his heavenly life Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.
Dick was born Feb. 22, 1936, in South Paris, to Harold Willard and Gladys Dyer. Raised in Norway, he was a gifted athlete and lettered all four years in high school football, basketball and baseball. After high school, Dick entered the U.S. Navy where he served four years continuing to play baseball and basketball for various U.S. naval stations.
After completing his naval duty at Kingsville Naval Air Station, Kingsville, Texas, he attended Sam Houston State University where he played four years of baseball. While at Sam Houston he was president of Alpha Chi, vice president of the “T” Club, vice president of the Professional Accounting Club, vice president of the senior class, vice president of the Lettermen’s Association, Dean’s List, baseball captain, Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, All College favorite, Sam Houston Athletic Hall Of Honor and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.
After graduating from Sam Houston State University, Dick played Canadian semi-pro baseball. His long financial career began when Dick moved to Houston for a position with the accounting firm of Ernst and Young. He then began a distinguished 40-year career in the Houston area working for numerous banks in a variety of executive management positions, including CEO and president. After retirement, Dick enjoyed his days golfing, gardening and volunteering for Fort Bend Meals On Wheels, where he worked diligently taking care of “his ladies” as he referred to them. He was very much a “people person” and always had a smile on his face.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Gail; his son, Scot Dyer and wife, Verna Jean; son, Michael Dyer and wife, Hauna Mae; grandchildren, Chase Ryan Dyer, Avery Harrison Dyer, Alex Ethan Dyer, Molly Claire Dyer, Isaac Michael Dyer and Shekinah Joy Dyer; brothers, Donald Dyer and wife, Edith, Roger Dyer and wife, Brenda, and Bradley Dyer; sisters-in-law, Donna Wirick Slayton and husband, Jack, and Sheila Wirick Langham; beloved nieces, Kimberly ”Kimmy Sue” Slayton Bishop and husband, Roy, Michelle “Brown Eyed Toot” Slayton, and Ali, “You Little Toot” Langham Miller and husband, Roy. He was loved by many for his kindness, loving nature and wonderful, unusual laugh. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service was held in Houston on Tuesday, Dec. 20.
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