Winford Blake Dyer

Winford Blake Dyer, age 83, went to be with our Lord and Savior on August 6, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 12, 1927 in Tolar, Texas, to Aline and H.M. "Bill" Dyer. They moved to Commerce when Winford was two years old. He graduated from Training School in 1944 and earned his bachelor's degree from East Texas State Teachers College in 1949. Winford served one year in the United States Navy. He married Katherine Nelson on January 15, 1952. He was a member of the Commerce Masonic Lodge for over sixty years and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Commerce.

Following graduation from East Texas State Teachers College, he worked for Shell Oil Company in several towns throughout West Texas and New Mexico. Katherine and Winford moved with their two young sons to Commerce in September, 1961 to manage Dyer Insurance Agency following his father's death. Under his leadership Winford grew the agency into new markets by developing a real estate business and by expanding its offices to Rockwall. He also served on the board of directors of the Security State Bank for many years. A hallmark of his business career was his integrity and hard work.

In addition to his business success, Winford was dedicated to giving back to the community and was an outstanding civic leader as well as an active member in the Republican Party. He served as president of the Commerce Kiwanis Club, acted as president of the Chamber of Commerce, was twice awarded Citizen of the Year by the Commerce Chamber of Commerce, served on the Board of Directors for Region 10 Education Center, and was the president of the Commerce Economic Development Association for over 20 years. He helped develop the Commerce Municipal Airport, and served on the Commerce Water Board which built a pipeline from Lake Tawakoni to ensure water availability to the community. In 1996, he was instrumental in the formation of and served as chairman of the Northeast Texas Rural Transportation District (NETEX) which acquired railroad track to maintain railway service to industries in Commerce, Greenville, and Sulphur Springs. He was passionate about attracting new businesses and jobs to Commerce and believed strongly that the railroad could be a part of the city's future. He continually supported education as a member of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Foundation since its formation.

Winford was an enthusiastic outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing for black bass in Southern Mexico, trout in New Zealand and Chile, and salmon in Alaska. He was also an avid hunter for pheasant, dove, and quail in Nebraska and Texas. Winford developed a love for flying airplanes. He received his pilot's license in the late 60's, and used his new found skill to travel with his family throughout North America. Travelling was important to Winford because it provided his family an opportunity to learn and explore. One of his favorite destinations was Yellowstone National Park.

Above all, Winford was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Winford was married to Katherine for 56 years, a loving relationship admired by all who knew them. He was deeply committed to his three children and supported their education, sports, and cultural activities.

Winford was blessed with many deep and lasting friendships built on trust, compassion, and dependability. He was a kind and humble man who will always be remembered with love and respect. He will be missed.

Winford is survived by sons: Brent and wife Melissa, Don and wife Sandra; and daughter Cynthia Dyer Quick and husband Andrew Quick; grandchildren Blake Dyer and Anna Dyer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, August 9th at the funeral home of Jones-Walker and Son, Commerce located at 1209 Live Oak Street. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 10th, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Commerce followed by internment at Rosemound Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mr. René Griffin, Mr. Shane Swindell, Mr. Robert Clark, Mr. Randy Stailey, Mr. Richard Miller, and Mr. Terry Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Joe Bearden, Mr. Ernest Hawkins, and Mr. Tom Richardson.

Memorial donations may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Attention: Development Department, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX or via their web site http://community.tsrhc.org.