Thomas Dyer

1949 - 2021

Thomas Howard Dyer, 72, passed away on May 5, 2021, in Nassau, Bahamas. Tom was born on February 28, 1949, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Eugene Walker Dyer and Ruth Beach Dyer Porter. He moved to Florida as a young child in 1955 and graduated in 1967 from Northeast High School in Oakland Park. Tom immediately enlisted in the United States Marine Corps receiving basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina and advanced infantry training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He then proudly served his country as a Communications/Radio Field Operator while stationed at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California.

After his service, Tom worked as an apprentice in the printing industry, becoming proficient in sales and marketing. Shortly after, he became a partner in the well-known advertising agency Campbell, Shelton and Dyer in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Over time, Tom developed expertise in real estate and land development. While partnering with Ed Stone and Associates, he was instrumental in the development and growth of numerous communities throughout the Southeast, including Wachesaw Plantation, Charleston National Golf Club, and Daufuskie Island in South Carolina, Jonathan's Landing in Jupiter, Florida, and The Sanctuary in Boca Raton, Florida. He was also affiliated with Two Rivers Ranch in Thonotosassa, Florida.

In 1997, Tom joined global law firm Holland and Knight LLP and Holland and Knight Consulting LLC, where he led the firm's entry into developing and providing non-legal professional services. In 2002, he joined Universal Chemical Technologies, Inc. as president and COO. He fully retired in 2014.

Tom's public service record was extensive and included appointments to local and state positions on committees addressing water management, private property rights, and ecosystem management protection. He was instrumental in the passage of Florida's two major conservation programs, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed many activities. He had a special love for sport fishing and was happiest traveling and fishing with his wife, Margaret, and their friends on their beloved boat, HOPE. They made many trips together to their favorite island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, often staying months at a time.

Being a kind-hearted, generous, loving man, Tom gave so much to others in a quiet, humble way. He was a true friend to all, both young and old, and he was always interested in supporting organizations and causes that contributed to those in need. Tom was honored to have served locally as a past president of Stuart Sailfish Club.

Tom is survived by his wife of 36 years, Margaret Springs Dyer; his brother, Terry Eugene Dyer (Abigail); his sister, Deborah Porter Coffman (Mike); sisters-in-law, Anne Springs Wilson (Neyle) and Louise Springs Smith (Ken); nieces and nephews, Gene Dyer (Kim) and children; Tracie Casserly and children; Matthew and Ruthie Coffman; Marion, Alec and Elizabeth Neyle Wilson; Dustin Smith (Meredith) and children; many special extended family members and friends; and his beloved dogs, Camden and Ben.

A Celebration of Life service for Tom will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 18 at Stuart Sailfish Club. The family is grateful to Butler Funeral Home in Nassau and Martin Funeral Home in Stuart for their assistance.

Memorials may be made to Cape Eleuthera Foundation, 1900 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103 or Stuart Sailfish Club Foundation, 3867 SE Evans Terrace, Stuart, Florida 34997.