George Lewis "Bud" Dyer

It is with profound love that we celebrate the life of George Lewis "Bud" Dyer, Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024.  Born in 1939 in Daytona Beach, Florida, to George Lewis Dyer, Sr.  and Beulah Revell Dyer, Bud's journey through life was marked by dedication, service, and a deep sense of community.

Bud attended Florida State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and where he met Mary Wood "Woodie" Davis, beginning a journey together that would be filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising a beautiful family. 

Bud's early years were characterized by his service in the Navy from 1961 to 1969, where he was a Radar Intercept Officer on the F4 Phantom jet, setting the stage for a lifetime of commitment to his country and his community.

Following his military service, Bud pursued further education at FSU, a testament to his belief in the value of education. In 1971, Bud, Woodie, and their three young sons moved to Young Harris, where they would become integral parts of their community, and where their daughter would be born. Bud's role as Admissions Director at Young Harris College and Woodie's work as a speech therapist underscores their dedication to nurturing the next generation.

Bud served over 30 years as the Admissions Director, and during his tenure he was a consultant and advisor to the President on all issues related to enrollment, student quality, and small college priorities.   He was particularly privileged and honored to be a decades-long advisor to the Kappa Tau Omega fraternity.  Due to his ongoing presence and continual involvement in student activities across campus, he became affectionately known as “Uncle Bud.”  

Bud's legacy included not just his professional achievements but his unwavering commitment to community service. For over 20 years, he faithfully served as the first fire chief of the Young Harris Volunteer Fire Department.  In addition, Bud was an EMT and volunteer First Responder.    Further contributions to the local community included leadership to Boy Scout Troop 406 and was recognized by the Boys Scouts of America with his induction into the organization’s Lifetime Order of the Arrow. 

One of Bud’s great joys was his service to the United Methodist Church and Sharp Memorial.  As an active member, Bud participated in many ways, being a part of the Disciples Sunday school class, singing in the choir and leading and serving on many church committees. 

Bud is survived by his wife Woodie, his children: Lew, Jeff, Frank and Ann Graves, his ten grandchildren: Jeff, Gil, Anna, Davis, Alek, Tate, Levi, Evan, Nikolas, and Ava, his brother Ben, and many nieces and nephews. 

Bud's memory is a reminder of the power of dedication, love, and community. As we celebrate his life, we find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will live on through his family, his community, and the countless lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 6th at 2 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in his memory to the Sharp Memorial Community Assistance Fund or Towns County Fire and Rescue.

Sharp Memorial: PO Box 66, Young Harris, GA 30582

Towns County Fire and Rescue: PO Box 247, Hiawassee GA 30546