Ernest Ray Dyer, Sr.

Born in Oakdale, La on October 7, 1938. His family moved to Orange in 1946 and he claimed it as his hometown.
He joined the United States Air Force on February 12, 1957. He served Twenty years for his country. While serving his country, he traveled to France, Germany, Thailand, Lubbock, TX, Abilene, TX, Dallas, TX, Sondrestrom, Greenland, Washington D.C., and Alamogordo, New Mexico. During his service, he received many medals including; Meritorious Service, June 19, 1970-July 31, 1973 at the Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene; First Oak Leaf Custer Meritorious Service, August 1, 1972-June 30, 1973; Meritorious Service, July 16, 1973-June 1, 1975 at Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, LA; Second Oak Leaf Cluster Meritorious Service, June 22, 1975-June 15, 1976in Sondrestrom, Greenland, and a Certificate of Retirement awarded to Senior Master Sergeant, Ernest R. Dyer, Sr., on March 1, 1977. After retirement, he returned to Orange and worked at B.F. Goodrich and then went to work at Gulf/Chevron for twenty years as an operator and retired in 1998.
He was a big supporter of his children and grandchildren and from 1978 through 1990 he was involved with the L.C.M. Atheltic Booster Club holding several positions including president. He helped build the first weight room for L.C.M., ran the baseball concession stand, and became known for his famous "Zumo Links". He loved football and supported all area teams. He was a big fan of McNeeses State and the Dallas Cowboys.
After he retired his new found 'hobby" was to play golf at D.E.R.A. and visit with his friends.
He was a member of V.F.W. Post # 2775, Orange, TX and coached at Twin County Little League and the Pony Colt League from 1977 thru 1988. He was a 4-H
leader from 1976 until 1988.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Thelma Dyer, brother, Charles E. Dyer and brother-in-law Richard J. Landry.
He leaves behind his wife and caregiver of 48 years Gloria Landry Dyer. His children Ernie Dyer, Jr. and wife Jane of Orange, Dena M. Thompson and husband Bill of Stockbridge, GA and Edward R. Dyer and wife Rebecca of Orange.
Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Dustin Dyer, Ashton Dyer, Megan Moore, Katelyn Dyer, Makayla Dyer and Kayley Dyer, sister, Linda Moore and husband Skip, Brothers-in-law, Ponk Landry and wife Mona Rae of Carlyss, LA and Dudley "D.J." Landry and wife Carol of Vinton, LA., sisters-in-law, Sylvia Gaudet and Husband Mickey of Sulphur, LA., Judy Goodner and husband Robert "Bob" of Carlyss, LA., 18 nieces and nephews, 40 great-Nieces and nephews and 4 great-great nieces and nephews and one on the way. He loved God, his country but most of all his family. We will truly miss our dad & paw paw. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008
at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Tom Phelan. Interment will follow at Autumn Oaks Cemetery in Orange.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. A rosary service will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Deacon Harvey Dubois officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Molin, Wade Landry, David Fregia godchild, Ronnie Fregia, John Landry godchild and Louis Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Skip Moore, Nip Smart, Jim Weaver, Richard Landry, Craig Gaudet, Kevin Gaudet, Chris Gaudet and Cody Goodner.
Memorials may be made to the Alzhiemers Association or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.