W. Dock Lias

1934 - 2025

W. Dock Lias, 90, Leesburg, Florida, former resident of DuBois, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the University of Florida Hospital, Leesburg, Florida.

Born November 18, 1934, Punxsutawney, PA, son of Turney Walter and Harriet Laura Dock Lias.

He graduated from DuBois High School, Class of 1952. He attended Penn State University and Wichita State University.

Dock honorably served in the U.S. Air Force, he was a member of Air Force Security. He was very proud to be a team member and played nationally and internationally on the Air Force basketball and football teams.

Dock was an avid sportsman, he is a retired PIAA football and basketball official. He was past president of the DuBois Little League. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis and swimming.

He thoroughly enjoyed playing tennis on several courts in Central Florida as a member of the Hawthorne of Leesburg tournament team. Dock was also very active in various social clubs and organizations during his twenty-five year residency at Hawthorne of Leesburg.

After his Air Force duty, Dock began his civilian working career as a Sheriff's Deputy in Los Angeles, CA. After moving back to his hometown, he was employed at The Courier-Express newspaper. He retired in 2000 after 29 years of service. When he retired he held the title of publisher of the newspaper.

Dock and his wife Barbara were the owners of Wally's Coffee and Tea Gourmet Shops in the DuBois Mall and the Indiana Mall, Indiana, PA.

While residing in DuBois, he was extremely proud to serve as a State Board Member of the Mid-State Literacy organization.

Dock was a former member and Board Member of Christ Lutheran Church, DuBois and a current member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Leesburg, FL.

After retiring, he and his wife Barbara relocated to Florida. They enjoyed many years traveling in their motorhome and several vacations by train. Cruising was always a top priority and they spent many enjoyable voyages, sailing on several different cruise lines.

Dock was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister Eleanor; brother Charles W. Lias; sister Margaret E. Lias Cochran; grandson Timothy Gilley and nephew Thomas W. Lias.

Dock is survived by his loving and devoted family: Wife Barbara; son Carl A., DuBois; daughter Kathy (Glen) Gilley, Dothan, AL; bonus children, Gerri Randall, DuBois; Gayle (Tom) Anderson, Rockton; Gara Smith and Veronica Franklin, The Villages, FL.; grandchildren Danielle Anderson, Brooklyn, NY; T.J. (Rachelle) Anderson, Baden, PA; Barbara Randall, DuBois; three great-granddaughters Trinity, Grace and Hadley; also, numerous nieces and nephews.

All memorial services will be held privately.

The family requests memorial donations be made to an organization of the donor's choice.

Preferably, youth sports, Mid-State Literacy or a local food bank.