Gene DYSON

1939 - 2015

DYSON, Gene November 8, 1939 - June 5, 2015 Gene Dyson was very remarkable man. It is doubtful that the number of lives that he touched could ever be estimated. His personal and professional affiliations exceed over 100. He served as chairman or board member to national, state and local organizations, colleges and universities. His many honors and awards reflect how seriously he took these obligations. He was given many gifts-charm, charisma, friendliness, drive, wit, good looks and the will to succeed. His intellect, creativity, high energy level and work ethic translated into a "Type A" personality who loved whatever he was working on. He got up early, stayed up late, and spent hours at his desk either on the phone or writing and organizing whatever needed to be done. To Gene, everyone was equal. Mayors, governors, presidents, waitresses, gas station attendants, all got the same respect and hardy handshake. It started at EauClaire High School in Columbia, S.C. where Gene made an effort to speak to as many students each day as he could. Needless to say this resulted in his being named most popular! He received so many prom invitations that he attended both Junior and Senior dances every year, starting as a freshman. And yes, his mother made him go with the first person he said yes to! Lifelong friendships resulted from this era and tears fell when his best friend from high school was told Gene was gone. His early career began with South Carolina State Development Board. Their advertising firm at the time recognized his talent and moved him to Atlanta as an account executive. From there he began the heart of his career as ultimately president of the Georgia Business and Industry Association which later, after a merger with the state chamber, became the Business Council of Georgia. As in most of Gene's career, his organizational and management skills earned merit. He was named the Outstanding Association Executive in Georgia; the Outstanding State Association Executive in America; and one of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential People in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine. He was most proud of being named Executive of the Decade in 1990 by the Atlanta Chapter of Professional Secretaries International. Another proud moment was being named one of the Ten Best Dressed Men in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine. He is also a member of the Public Relations Hall of Fame. Affecting public policy on behalf of the business community of Georgia became a road map to hundreds of interesting experiences and relationships with individuals all over the globe, including politicians, businesses and organizations needing help and guidance in championing their causes through the Georgia General Assembly. There is no doubt the Georgia World Congress Center would not be here today without Gene's lobbying efforts for the appropriation. Then Governor Jimmy Carter was inclined toward a veto but agreed to sign the legislation if Gene would agree to chair the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. He served in this position for seven years and oversaw every detail of the construction of this economic powerhouse for Georgia's economy and the convention and tourism industry. As chairman of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, Gene literally ran that organization during their search for a new executive officer. He produced the Governor's Prayer Breakfast for many years and served as coordinator for the business community's support of the Billy Graham Crusade when it came to Atlanta in the 70's. The Georgia Commission for the National Bicentennial Celebration recruited Gene as vice chairman. Ben Fortson, Jr., Georgia's longtime Secretary of State served as chairman. One of Gene's favorite stories from "Mr. Ben" was when he told Gene that he hoped he knew what being vice chairman meant. "It means you do all the work and I get all the credit!" It was while serving on the Bicentennial board that Gene met his wife, Mina, who was the Commission's Program Director. Together they produced a travelling museum telling Georgia's history. Railroad boxcars were donated and reconstructed inside for this purpose. The train was dubbed "The Georgia Heritage Special" and rode the rails of the state to be viewed by thousands of school children and interested individuals. Complicated issues such as railroad right of ways, avoiding freight train schedules etc., were all on Gene's agenda to solve. All of these experiences came with fascinating behind the scenes stories. Gene was an extraordinary storyteller with great stage presence. He made speeches throughout the United States, urging people to get involved in politics; the value of the free enterprise system and the importance of volunteerism. (Continued to next column)