Ernest Gene Dyal, Sr.

Ernest Gene Dyal, Sr., age 89, was born May 2 1927 and passed away Friday morning, November 25, 2016, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, surrounded by his devoted family.

Ernest is a graduate of Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, GA. He served in the Navy on the USS Shea as Gunner's Mate in the Pacific Ocean during World War II and the US Army Reserve as a Warrant Officer. Following his military service, Ernest graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA. He was a loyal Dawg fan.

He began a 34 year career in the Georgia Department of Corrections retiring as an Administrator. An avid reader a book was never far from his hands. Ernest enjoyed flying and was a stanch Republican. He loved his planes and golfing. Ernest was a 60 year member of the McRae United Methodist Church.

He is preceded by his parents, Forest L. Dyal, Sr. and Alice K. Dyal; a brother, Forest L. Dyal, Jr. and a sister, Barbara D. Robinson; a great granddaughter, Madeline Grace Hopkins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lucile H. Dyal; son, Ernest G. Dyal, Jr. and Joanne; daughter, Patt Saunders and John Walter Saunders; grandchildren, Mandy Hopkins and Brian, Christa Abbott and Eric Phillips; Austin Fulford; Christopher Dyal, Matthew Dyal and Adam Dyal; and 6 great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held Monday, November 28, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Oak Grove Cemetery in McRae with Lay Minister Norwood Davidson officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the great grandchildren, Maxwell, Harrison, Ashton, Grayson Hopkins and Gabrielle Abbott.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to: Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459 or to the Telfair County Library, 101 West College St., McRae, GA 31055.

Please express your online condolences at lowesfuneralhome.net

Lowe's Funeral Home of Helena has charge of the arrangements.