Samuel "Dayton" Dyer

Mr. Samuel "Dayton" Dyer, 78, of Blairsville, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA. Samuel was born October 28, 1945, in Young Harris, Georgia to Samuel Nathan and Shelby Ruth Nix Dyer.

Dayton was preceded in death by father, Samuel Nathan Dyer; mother, Shelby Ruth Nix Dyer; father-in-law, John Hoyt Hamby; brother, Douglas Dyer; grandparents, Paul & Ellen Nix; grandmother, Pearl Dyer Collins; brother-in-law, Royce Hughes; brother-in-law, William Sparks; and sister-in-law, Peggy Bryson.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda Hamby Dyer; son, Stacy (Diane) Dyer; granddaughter, Lindsey (Derrick) Runkle; great-grandson, Mason Lee Runkle.  He is also survived by sisters, Muriel Dyer Hughes and Kathy (Calvin) Hood; brother, Tony (Andrea) Dyer, and mother-in-law, Sue Stephens Hamby. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was a member of Shady Grove Methodist Church. Dayton was a great singer and wrote several of the songs he recorded.  He sang with several music groups over the years.  He was mechanically gifted and enjoyed working on hobby projects and using his gifts to serve and help others without thinking of repayment for his labor of love.  He worked for Union County Schools and served as the maintenance director for 28 years where he not only loved his work but also had the opportunity to impact the younger generation he encountered.  Dayton and his son Stacy co-owned Dyer Farming and Construction company where they enjoyed the work of grading and excavating together.  One of Datyton's favorite hobbies in his later years, which he was blessed to share with his son, was restoring tractors and antique vehicles. Car shows were a real treat for Dayton.

Dayton's most beloved pastime included spending time with his family whom he loved deeply.  He especially enjoyed the time he spent with his great-grandson Mason.  He enjoyed mowing grass and being outdoors.  He loved his animals, especially his dog Jake and his mule Molly.  

Most importantly, Dayton was a born-again Christian known for living out his faith through selfless acts of service.

Funeral Service, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home of Blairsville Chapel with Rev Stacy Dyer, Rev Michael Wilkes, Rev Harold Underwood, and Rev Henry Loggins officiating. Music provided by Brandon and Calvin Hood as well as recording of Dayton.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Shawn Dyer, Brandon Hood, Seth Dyer, Tony Dyer Jr, Casey Bryson, and Mike Akins.  Buddy Legg, Bruce Dillinger, Bill Parker, Bill Donaldson, Billy McCloud, Archie Wilson, Larry Thomas, Albert Davenport, Wayne Tanner, Richard Corn, and George Tenney will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Interment will follow at Shady Grove Methodist Church, Blairsville, Georgia, with Rev. Winford Pitts officiating.

The family will receive friends at Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home of Blairsville Chapel on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM.

In Lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to Gideon's International.

Cochran|McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Samuel Dayton Dyer; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.