William (Bill) Francis Dyer, Jr.

William Francis (Bill) Dyer, Jr. died peacefully in Raleigh on January 15, 2023.

He was born in Whiteville, NC on April 12, 1927, the son of the late William Francis Dyer, Sr. and Edna Oneida Gurganious Dyer. After serving in the Navy in World War II, he graduated from NC State University with an engineering degree in 1950. He was a career employee of Southern Bell (now AT&T), retiring as Treasury Cashier in November, 1987.

He met the love of his life in 1952, and on February 14, 1953, Bill married the former Marjorie Elise Taylor of Washington, NC. The phone company kept the young couple busy, living in Raleigh, Wilmington, Atlanta and finally Charlotte, where they adopted and raised their two children, Anna & Taylor.

Deeply but quietly faithful, Bill was a member of Sardis Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, where he served as an elder and deacon. Later, he became a member of First Presbyterian Church in Washington, then Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. He was a member of the Down East Seniors Club, the NC State Alumni Association and the Wolfpack Club. He was also a charter member of the Charlotte Sertoma Club.

Known for his sense of humor and love of wordplay, “Sweet Old Bill” kept family and friends in stitches. Especially at the dinner table, where supper often grew cold while laughter rang out. One of his proudest moments was having the neighbor’s goats named “Elise” and “Bill”.

Artistic and musical, he was also unfailingly generous and kind. His family always knew they had his support, whether as a Scout Leader or enthusiastic fan at sporting events and competitions.

Bill loved sports and the outdoors. He played baseball in his youth and was a keen golfer and fisherman. Even with one eye, he became a pool shark in his retirement. He kept up with his beloved Wolfpack to the end. While it looked like he might be quietly napping, he would surprise you with the answer to what team they played in a 1970s playoff or who was the current basketball coach.

He is survived by his wife and children, Taylor (Elizabeth) Dyer of Washington, and Anna Dyer (T.J.) Quinn of Raleigh, and grandchildren, Grace Quinn, Samantha Quinn and Harrison Dyer.

    A graveside service will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, NC at 2pm on Friday, January 20 – reception to follow at Washington Yacht & Country Club.

A memorial service will be held at the Cypress of Raleigh on Sunday, January 22 from 3-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (chsnc.org).

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Dyer family.