Racine – Edward Lee Dyess, Sr., 82, passed away at WFH All Saints Hospital on Tuesday, April 22, 2014. He was born in Enterprise, Mississippi on December 23, 1931, son of the late John Van and Alberta (nee: Williams) Dyess, Sr. Most of his life was spent in Racine, Mr. Dyess served with honor in the US Marines during the Korean War.
Edward was a supervisor at the Racine Water Department when he retired, and was proud to be the first African-American employee. He was passionate about playing golf, but liked other sports as well, cheering to the LA Dodgers, Brewers, and Packers. Edward wasn’t one to just sit around the house. He enjoyed his daily walks and maintaining his physical fitness.
Mr. Dyess is survived by his children: Gary (Elaine) Jones, Randie Dyess, Grant (Karolyn) Dyess, Bobbie Dyess, Ann Dyess-Peterson, April (Francisco) Centeno, and Christopher (Jessica) Dyess; 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and looking forward to the 24th; 2 sisters: Annie (Rama) Chew and Gloria Jean Walker; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including his former spouses Gaynell Dyess, and Janice Dyess. He was also preceded by his son: Edward Dyess, Jr.; brothers: James, William, and John Dyess; and sisters: Lillie Mae Dyess, Edna Ruth Freeman, Alma Ruth Dyess, and Carol Light.
Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 11am. with Rev. Richard Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home Friday evening from 5pm-7pm, and on Saturday beginning at 10am. Military Honors and Interment will take place at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 10am on Monday, April 28, 2014.
The Dyess family extends their heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the ICU staff at WFH All Saints for your kind and compassionate care; and to Liz, Tom, and Denise for always being there when Dad needed you.
Willie & Daris Hodges says
Our heartfelt sympathy go out to the entire Dyess family. May God give you all the strength you’ll need during your time of grief. We pray that your memories of Ed last forever.
Delann McGloun says
Annette Dyess says
Rest in peace Uncle Eddie.
Armintta Franklin says
I send my love, and condolences to each of you. Your dad captured a special place in my heart and he allowed me to call him “Uncle Eddie”. I will forever remember him as being a loving man with a warm smile. I pray you will embrace the memories and allow then to carry you through your period of sadness. Oh how precious are the memories of our loved ones. Also know, our Father in Heaven is a comforter, he can dry the tears in your eyes, he can turn your sorrow into joy.
Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.
Glorious Goldsmith-Hicks and Family says
Our sincere condolences we send to the entire Dyess Family. May the Good Lord bless and keep you in His care as you go through this dark hour of life.