Lewis "Junior" Dye Jr.'s Obituary
A man best defined by his selflessness, Lewis "Junior" Dye Jr., age 90, of Dayton, passed away on Thursday, February 25th, 2021 surrounded by his family.
Junior was born on October 21st, 1930 to Lewis Dye Sr. and Eva Dye. Junior began working at a very young age, making $.25 a day at his first job. His strong work ethic, and a constant dose of black coffee, carried him through a long career at General Motors full of 12 hour days working as a punch press operator. Junior also worked at Dille Clinical Labs, Walmart, Meijer, and even worked building and remodeling houses after working 12-hour shifts so that he could provide for his family.
In his early years, Junior spent countless hours playing outdoors in the "crick" with his lifelong friend, Robert Hurst. He enjoyed playing sports and was a good player on the GM/Inland basketball team. Junior absolutely loved bowling. He spent many years bowling nearly every day and traveling to compete in tournaments. Any winnings were always immediately gifted to his wife, Audrey. Junior also loved to go fishing from any dock, bridge, or lakeside lawn chair. When he couldn't fish he enjoyed hunting everything from squirrels to deer.
Junior came to know the Lord at the age of 48 and cultivated a relationship with Jesus Christ characterized by humble imitation and a simplistic, easy faith. He was a member of Parkview Nazarene for many years. Junior easily made strangers into friends and was especially eager to welcome anyone who was important to one of his girls, wife, daughter, and granddaughters, into his life. Junior loved his "step" family (granddaughters and great grandsons) like they were his own. He was always happiest when the ones he loved were happy and his servant's heart endeared him to everyone he knew.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Sr. and Eva. Junior is survived by his wife of 64 years, Audrey (Black) Dye, daughter Lisa (Craig) Randall, granddaughters, Lauren (Ryan) Breth and Hayley Brooks (Colten), great-grandchildren Elliana and Everett Breth, lifelong friend, Bob Hurst, and many other close family members and friends.
To help the family celebrate his life, you are invited to his visitation at Parkview Church of the Nazarene (4701 Far Hills Ave. Dayton, OH 45459) on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Life Celebration Services will be held immediately following the visitation at 3:00 pm.
You are welcome to write a condolence, send flowers, or share a photo of Junior at www.ConnerAndKoch.com. The family requests that in addition to floral gifts donations be sent to Day City Hospice (https://daycityhospice.com/donate/).
What’s your fondest memory of Lewis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lewis?
Share a story where Lewis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lewis you’ll never forget.
How did Lewis make you smile?