James Durward Dyess, 84, a longtime resident of Louin, Mississippi, departed this life on May 13, 2020, at his home surrounded by his wife of 58 years, Judy Dyess, his four children, and his devoted caretakers.
Durward served his country in the United States Air Force. He retired from many years in the reforestation and timber industry. He will be remembered most for his knack to make people laugh and for being a man who spoke the truth with comedic embellishment. More importantly, he instilled in his children a work ethic and a strong faith in the Lord.
Durward was preceded in death by his daughter April Lea Dyess, his brother, Billy Dyess; and his sister Evelyn Zubic.
He leaves with love his wife Judy Grayson Dyess; two daughters Alison White (John) and Karen Mooney (Charles); two sons Brannon (Angie) and Stacey (Gayla); seven grandchildren Mason Dyess (Emma); Calli April Cooper (Brian); Daylan, Cayleb, and Landry Dyess; and Gracie Lea and Ashley Marie White; two great-grandchildren, Kinslee and Laney; sister-in-law Emily Jo Dyess; and his loyal brothers-in-law Randy and Tommy (Susan) Grayson.
The family never could adequately express its love and gratitude to Dad’s faithful caretakers: Ethel Reed, Celia McCray, Loveda Jones, Ashley Field, Diana McMillan, Marietha Davis, Yvette Jones, and Regina Madison. We further express our thankfulness for Ginger Brown and the Veteran’s Administration’s for their care and to the professional and compassionate hospice team at Deaconess led by their nurse Brittany McCarty.
Pallbearers will be sons, grandsons, sons-in-law Charles Mooney and John White and nephew Kyle Grayson.
Honorary pallbearers will be nephews Ricky Zubic, Joe Donald Dyess, Jimmy Dyess, cousin Ronnie Dale Bishop, and family friends Rory Dale Holder and Merle Edmondson.
A graveside service will be conducted at Louin Baptist Church Cemetery on County Road 1533 in Louin Friday, May 15, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Chin Onwubiko and Mason Dyess will deliver the eulogy. Bill Dyess and Ray Pugh will serve as soloists.
The family asks that memorials be given to Sylva Bay Academy Athletics P. O. Box Drawer J, Bay Springs Ms 39422, in memory of April Lea Dyess.
The compassionate family at Keyes Funeral Home in Raleigh, Mississippi, will be in charge of the burial.
