Woodrow Wilson Dyches

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Celebrating the life of
Woodrow Wilson DychesNovember 11, 1918 - July 09, 2011

Woodrow Wilson Dyches, Sr.

SAVANNAH - Woodrow Wilson Dyches, Sr. "Woody", 92, passed away on July 9, 2011, at his home on Burnside Island after a short illness. He was born November 11, 1918, in Savannah, Georgia, the son of the late David Clinton Dyches and Susie Bell Ulmer Dyches. He was raised in the Bingville area of Savannah, and lived nearly his entire life in Savannah.

He always loved to work hard, and as a boy, he hunted rabbits and sold the furs to Kirschner Furs in Savannah. When rabbits were scarce, he raised chickens and sold eggs door to door.
As a young man, he began his career with Highsmith Lumber Company in 1937. From there, he went on to work making cabinets for twenty-five cents an hour at Industrial Lumber Company. During World War II, he served for a short time in the Army National Guard. During the War, he worked for Mackoval Shipyard and Southeastern Shipyard building Liberty ships and barges for the military.

After the War, he started a repair and remodeling business, going door to door and working out of the trunk of his car, while working nights in a cabinet shop. He then went to work for Bowen and Sunday Construction Company as their foreman.

He left Bowen and Sunday Construction after a few years to start his own home building business and later founded Dyches Construction Company in 1957, a home building and land development company. He began building homes in the Donwood Terrace area of Savannah, and numerous other subdivisions, including Avondale Estates, Poplar Heights, Oakdale, Oakhurst, Wilshire Estates, and some development in Windsor Forest. In 1955, the company made a bold step by purchasing the Harms Dairy on White Bluff Road, and developing the first major subdivision south of Stephenson Avenue, known as Paradise Park, consisting of 355 lots.

Over time, the company moved into commercial development, building Oakhurst Shopping Center, the first strip shopping center on the south side of Savannah, as well as several other strip shopping centers, office buildings, apartment complexes and mobile home parks.

He was instrumental in forming the Home Builders Association of Savannah in 1955, as a charter member and officer. The Home Builders Association helped influence and change the development of Chatham County. In October 2005, he was honored by the Home Builders Association as a Hall of Fame Recipient for his outstanding support and dedication to the Association.

He held a real estate broker's license for 46 years, and owned and operated Abercorn Realty and Dyches Realty, specializing in residential sales. He was honored by "House and Home" Magazine in 1958, which said he was "the fastest home builder in the United States," completely building a house in 15 working days, and once sold 17 houses in one weekend.

He also opened the first hardware store on the south side of Savannah, Dyches Hardware, which was open for a number of years until it was destroyed in 1970 by a fire at the Oakhurst Shopping Center which also destroyed a number of other businesses, including Dyches Construction Company and Dyches Development Company.

He was an avid hunter, fisherman, tree farmer and outdoorsman. He owned several farms over the years, and at one time he raised cattle, hogs and goats on Middleground Road, where St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church and Savannah Commons are presently located. His Bo Peep Plantation in Hampton County, South Carolina was named the state's Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year in 2002, and the Southeastern Regional Tree Farm in 2004, for his excellence in environmental, wildlife and forestry practices.

He was a past member of Ardsley Park Baptist Church for 41 years, holding numerous positions such as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Building Committee during the construction of its present sanctuary, Deacon, and others. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Temple since 1970.

He was a member of Solomon's Masonic Lodge No. 1, the Drum and Bugle Corps of the Alee Shrine Temple for 1954 to 1959, and the Clown Unit of Alee Temple since 1960. He was a professional clown and a member of the Southeastern Clown Association for 51 years. He was a life member of the Forest City Gun Club, and formerly a member of several civic and business organizations.

The final chapter of his life was a fruitful one. In accordance with God's great commission, he and his wife Jennifer had a strong conviction to create disciples that continues to this day. Together and with the help of family, they established a Christian church in Thailand after the tsunami of 2004. Today, it has over six hundred members and continues to grow. This past year, they built a Christian cemetery making it one of the first in this part of the world.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Nina Mae Hobbs of Dexter, Georgia, two brothers Clinton Dyches and Eugene Dyches, three sisters, Frances Radford, Reba Hutto and Dorothy Dyches. He is survived by his second wife, Jennifer L. Dyches, two sons, Woodrow W. Dyches, Jr. Linda of Fletcher, NC, and Donald E. Dyches Faye of Savannah, three daughters, Penny Clair Chris of Warsaw, MO, Carrie Lee Kendall David of Savannah, and Bobbie Harley Les of Guyton, twelve 12 grandchildren, Don Dyches, Jr., Ken Dyches, Marie Danos, all of Savannah, Bill Dyches of Alpharetta, Michelle Page of Dunwoody, Woodie Dyches, III, Chris Dyches of Greenville, SC, Drew and Lincoln Harley, both of Guyton, Angelica, Aliah and Christian Clair, all of Warsaw, MO, sixteen 16 great-grandchildren, one 1 great-great-granddaughter, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the following for their wonderful care and help during Mr. Dyches' illness: Dr. Robert Brown, Dr. Tim Daugherty and the loving staff of Chatham Medical Associates, Dr. Kenneth Hardigan, Dr. Mark Taylor, Dr. Stephen Morris, Spanish Oaks Hospice, especially Debbie Helmly, Boukje Mims, Jolie Johnson, Lori Shindell, and Chaplain Drew Corbett. The family would also like to thank the entire church family of Calvary Baptist Temple for all of the tremendous love and support they have offered over the years.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 11th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fox & Weeks Funeral Home on Hodgson Memorial Drive. Funeral services will be Tuesday, July 12th, at 2:00 p.m., at Calvary Baptist Temple on Waters Avenue. Officiating will be Rev. Wayne Watts and Rev. Derward Poole. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Don Dyches, Jr., Ken Dyches, Tommy Danos, Bill Dyches, Randolph Page, Woodie Dyches, III, Chris Dyches, Drew Harley, Lincoln Harley and Christian Clair.

Honorary pallbearers will the members of the Alee Temple Clown Unit.

Remembrances: Morris Slotin Fund, c/o Alee Shrine Temple, Post Office Box 14147, Savannah, Georgia 31416, Calvary Baptist Temple, or the Bang Yung Sir Covenant Church, Roi Et, Thailand, c/o Calvary Baptist Temple.

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We were sadden to hear about his passing. Penny and her kids always talked so highly of him. It had been our privilege to have met him personally. Our hearts go out to all the family.

- joe and scottie davis, Marshall, MO

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. You will all be our thoughts & prayers. Love you, Uncle Greg & Aunt Terri

- Terri & Greg Bland, Carlsbad, NM

Woody and Linda-- my deepest condolences to you and the entire family. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

- Misty Haire, Asheville, NC

Our love and prayers go to all of the family! Reading about Mr. Dyches brings a smile... he accomplished so much in his life! May all of you be safe as you travel, and may the Lord comfort your hearts. In His love, Denise

- Denise Hinkle, Warsaw, MO

Woody obviously lived his life for the glory of God. What a loving legacy for all his family. May God grant you peace knowing he lives today with his Heavenly Father.

- Chuck and Lei Carter, Savannah, GA

Isn't it nice to know that he is in the presence of the Lord and that you will see him again? Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours as you celebrate his life and rejoice that he is now in the arms of Jesus. You will have a great celebration reunion in heaven!

- Lonnie and Karen Smith, Lincoln, MO

We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man.You will be truly missed .Your family is in our prayers.

- Floyd & Kim Justice and Kids, Rincon, GA

Billie Porter

- Billie Porter, Savannah, GA

To Live in the Hearts we leave behind...Is not to die. The world was a better place because of you, Mr. Dyches! My thoughts and prayers are with you Jennifer! Much love to you, Jan

- Jan Brantley, Midway, GA

Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer. Love, Anna Dr. Konter's office

- Anna Watkins, Pembroke, GA

Jennifer, I'm thinking of you and what a wonderful marriage you and Mr. Dyches had together. It was always a Delight seeing you two in the dental office, over the years. My prayers are with you. Love, Krista Dr. Konter's office

- Krista Cummings, Savannah, GA

Shirley and I have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. It is obvious he was a great man and will be missed by many.

- John & Shirley Harley, Centerville, GA

Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time. So sorry we couldn't be there in person however you all are in our hearts and thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all! Paul and Tina Whetzel

- Tina and Paul Whetzel, Mt Pleasant, SC

I became aquainted with Woody in 1960 as he built the first house my husband, Grady, and I bought. All through the years,in the shrine and socially, he became a very dear friend to us. He will be missed. Jennier and family, you are all in my prayers and thoughts.

- Ruth Fincher, SAVANNAH, GA

PS.27:4-5 'One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.' - Hoping you're finding comfort in knowing he's 'gazing on the beauty of the Lord.. safe in His dwelling.' Praying for strength & peace during the days ahead, & blessings on your family until He returns! Much love to you all, Janice, John, JD, & Hart

- Janice & John Roberts, Savannah, GA

Dear Jennifer and Family, we wanted to express our condolences. I just spoke at my Mother's funeral a few weeks ago and shared these thoughts that I once heard: You know it is like standing on the seashore watching a beautiful ship sail toward the horizon. It is going farther and farther out of our sight and we sadly say, 'there he goes, there he goes.' Suddenly he is out of our sight, but we hear voices over the horizon beginning to chant 'Here He Comes, Here He comes,' and heaven welcomed home a very special person. Love to you all, Mary and Tom

- Tom and Mary Farwell, Green Castle,, MO

Jennifer, Woody,jr,and Donald and the rest of the family. We were saddened to here that Uncle Wilson passed away Saturday. Our heart felt sympathy and prayers go out to you all. We enjoyed the visits at Uncle Wilson's house. We will surely miss him. Sincerely, Ross and Donna Beasley Dublin,GA

- Ross & Donna Beasley, Dublin, GA

May God's strength and peace be upon all family members at this time as you mourn your loss but assurance of his final rest with our Lord, Jesus Christ, our Prophet, Priest and King.

- Dr & Mrs Lester Hardegree, Bluffton, SC

The Lord has another fine angel at his side.

- Paul Eliot Harvard, Guyton, GA

Our prayers and Gods Blessing to all the family. He will always be remembered.

- Terry and Jennifer Dikkers, Fletcher, NC

Russ & I want to send our deepest sympathy to you and your family at the loss of your stepfather. He truly was a wonderful man who accomplished so much and made such an impact on many lives. I know that our loving Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ welcomed him home and all of heaven rejoiced at his homecoming. You WILL see him again! With much love, Martha

- Martha & Russ Foster, Warsaw, MO

Ken, I wanted you to know how sorry I am about your Grandpa. When I read of his life, I was reminded of my dad's they were born the same year. Their resourcefulness and drive as children and young adults were similar in an era when things were so simple but maybe not always so easy. Your Grandpa truly had a wonderful life and remember - he's not only with God but with your Grandma now too! Love to you and Sandra xo

- Julie Price, Savannah, GA

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Janet G Thayer, Richmond Hill, GA

Our prayers go out to the Dyches family. Woody was a long time friend.We will miss him very much.May God bless the family.

- Pete and Ann Stafford, Bulloch Co., GA

So sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow. Let us know if you need anything. Yvonne

- Hugh and Yvonne Lehnen, Wellsville, MO