Emmett Franklin Dyer

HAMPTON - Emmett Franklin (Russ) Dyer, 84, died Monday, August 26, 2013 at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Hampton, VA. Mr. Dyer was born in Richmond, VA on March 27, 1929, the youngest of three children. He grew up on the family farm in Chesterfield County. Following graduation from Manchester High School, he spent a brief period in the US Navy. He subsequently worked in various sales jobs, as a truck driver, and in carpentry. During that time, he lived on the farm and helped care for his father and mother during their latter years. Following their deaths, he moved to the Hampton Roads area about 1967. He outlived most of his family including his parents, Howard A. Dyer and Evelyn Belcher Dyer, as well as his brothers, Howard C. Dyer and Rev. Tom Dyer. He is survived by three nephews, Michael H. Dyer, of Marble Falls, TX; T. Stephen Dyer, of McLean, VA; and Robert A. Dyer, of Lagos, Nigeria; and by several cousins. Mr. Dyer loved music and played the piano for his personal pleasure and the enjoyment of others. He played regularly for the worship services at Governor's Inn and was thrilled to once have the opportunity to play a set at a local Hampton restaurant for New Year's Eve. He loved people and was a great joke teller. Beginning at an early age, his father took him to the local orphanage near their home every year for Christmas. From this experience he became concerned about children growing up without parents or in an abusive environment. This love for children led him to become a Guardian Parent of the United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) in Richmond. Teen Challenge in Newport News and the work they do for troubled youth was very meaningful to him. His love of music and wanting to help others enjoy it caused him to endow the Emmett F. Dyer Keyboard Music Scholarship at Christopher Newport University. Mr. Dyer was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Hampton. The congregation and the support they provided were great joys to him. He often said his source of wisdom was the Book of James 1:19, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for a man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." A Memorial Service will be conducted at 10:00 am, Friday, September 6 at Bethany United Methodist Church by Rev. Arthur Rajanayakam. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Dyer's memory to the Emmett F. Dyer Keyboard Music Scholarship Fund at Christopher Newport University, c/o Lucy Latchum, 1 Avenue of the Arts, BTC 413, Newport News, VA 23606; or Bethany United Methodist Church, 1509 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA 23666; or UMFS, 3900 West Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230; or a charity of your choice. Mr. Dyer wished to thank the staff at Commonwealth Assisted Living Hampton and especially Cindy, Destiny, and Jeehan from Visiting Angels who helped make his latter days more comfortable. Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home.