Thomas Gray Dyer, Jr.

Thomas Gray Dyer, Jr., age 85 of Millington, TN, formerly of Henry County, died Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Baptist Memorial East Hospital in Memphis, TN.

He started working at a young age as a projectionist at the theater in Manila, AR. He was a former fireman with the Paris Fire Department and later retired from the Commercial Appeal newspaper in Memphis, TN. Thomas was a U.S. Army veteran and served 27 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard. He was a beekeeper, enjoyed woodworking, and built two houses. He loved watching things grow and vacationing out West. 

Thomas was born February 27, 1939, in Murray, KY, to the late Thomas Gray Dyer, Sr., and the late Bula Scott Dyer.

He was married June 10, 1960, to Joyce A. Dyer, who preceded him in death on July 26, 2024.

He is also survived by five children, Tosha (John) Matthews of Desoto, MO, Nena (Nick) Tsitouras of Montreal Canada, Carol (George) Padilla of Marion, AR, Thomas G. (Donna) Dyer, III, of Dothan, AL, and Tonya Ann Dyer of Millington, TN; two brothers, Jim (Alex) Dyer of Russellville, AR, and Nick (Mary) Dyer of Conroe, TX; 12 grandchildren, Everette Matthews, Audrey Kite, Zachary Matthews, Costa (Laura) Tsitouras, Allie (Randy) Jacinto, Helena Tsitouras, Christopher Tsitouras, Michael (Emily) Bargery, Matthew Bargery, Katherine Dyer, and Thomas G. (Joanna) Dyer, IV, and Carly Dyer; five great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild on the way.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Joy Trantham; and two brothers, Hubert “Clarvel” Dyer and James King.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, TN 38242. Visitation will be Monday, August 19, 2024, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with Chad Kennedy officiating.

Thomas’s grandchildren and a great grandchild will serve as pallbearers. 

Burial will be in Foundry Hill Baptist Cemetery in Puryear, TN.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.