Gene Thornton Dye

Retired 1SGT Gene Thornton Dye, age 81 of Richlands, Virginia passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014 in Cedar Bluff, Virginia following a lengthy illness. He was born in Swords Creek, Virginia and was the son of the late John Estil “Swifty” and Effie Mae Robinette Dye. He was a graduate from Honaker High School Class of 1950 and had valiantly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and subsequently worked and operated the National Army Guard Armory in Richlands, Virginia. In honor of his work and dedication, the newly constructed National Guard Armory at SVCC was named after him. Gene was a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend. He was a member of the Gethsemane Baptist Church in Richlands, Virginia and was a lifetime resident of the Richlands area. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elva Lee Hale Dye; two brothers, Dexter Dye, Bobby Dye; and one sister, Betty Ruth Dye Patrick. He is survived by: His Daughter, Beth Smith and husband, Richard of Richlands, VA Granddaughter, Mary Catherine Smith of Richlands, VA Two Sisters: Bonita Lawson and husband, Arthur of Swords Creek, VA Barbara Byas and husband, Fred of Jonesborough, TN Several nieces, nephews and a host of friends also survive. Funeral services for Gene T. Dye will be conducted at Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 1:00 pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Marc Brooks officiating. Entombment will follow at the Clinch Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Richlands, Virginia. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Members of the Casey-Shortt VFW Post# 9640 will conduct military graveside rites. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Tuesday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Gethsemane Baptist Family Life Center Fund, 2902 Clinch Street, Richlands, Virginia 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Gene Thornton Dye

August 24, 1932 - May 4, 2014