Larry's Big Dogs
Hello!
Thank you for visiting our team's 2024 Walk ALS Georgia fundraising page. We are walking in memory of our beloved father, husband and friend - Larry Dyer, who lost his battle to ALS on August 12th. Larry was a devoted serviceman, community leader, and passionate railroad enthusiast. To honor his legacy, we hope you'll join us as we walk united for a cure for ALS on Saturday, September 21st. Please join us!
Every 90 minutes. That’s how often someone learns they’ve been diagnosed with ALS. In that moment, their life is changed forever. And from that moment on, they are left to navigate an unknown future - a future living with ALS.
Every 90 minutes. That’s how often someone living with ALS loses his battle because there is no cure for this disease.
We are walking so Georgians living with ALS can get the support they need to live a full life post-diagnosis. It costs on average $250,000 a year to provide the care people living with ALS and their families need. Walk ALS Georgia raises money to provide local care services like direct financial support, respite care, transportation services, and equipment loans to help alleviate that cost for families in Georgia.
We are also walking to support research efforts into treatments and a cure so that an ALS diagnosis is not fatal. Until that day, we will walk on. Join us!
About Larry Dyer:
Mr. Larry S. Dyer, age 77, of Morganton, GA went to be with the Lord Monday morning, August 12, 2024.
Larry Dyer, a devoted serviceman, community leader, and passionate railroad enthusiast, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024. Born on December 9, 1946, in Minden, Louisiana, Larry was the son of the late Dale Dyer and Virginia Hampton Dyer.
Larry’s journey began in West Fannin, where he graduated from West Fannin High School in 1965. His pursuit of higher education led him to Berry College in Rome, Georgia, from which he graduated in 1969. That same year, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as an Inventory Management Specialist. His distinguished military career spanned over three decades, including notable deployments with the Georgia Air National Guard. He served with the 118th Tactical Control Flight, contributing to missions in Denmark, Columbia, and the British West Indies. Later, as a member of the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron, he was deployed to Egypt and Qatar. Larry retired as a Master Sergeant in 2006, having dedicated 33 years to military service.
In 1982, Larry's life took a new and joyous turn when he met Debbie in their Sunday school class at Second Baptist Church. They were married on October 14, 1982, beginning a partnership filled with love and shared commitments.
Larry’s commitment to service extended well beyond his military career. In 1978, he discovered his passion for railroading as a volunteer with the Atlanta Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. His involvement was instrumental in the creation of the New Georgia Railroad and the startup of the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, where he remained an active crewmember for 18 years.
A lifelong advocate for youth and community, Larry made significant contributions as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America. His roles included Advancement Chairman, Troop Committee Commissioner, Scoutmaster of Troop 263, Troop Bus Driver, and OA Lay-Advisor to Scouts in the Philippines.
Larry’s service to his community was further exemplified through his membership in Kiwanis and The American Legion. He actively participated in Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief, assisted veterans through the Disabled American Veterans, and served his local church in various capacities, including offering counting team, trustee, cemetery committee member, and deacon.
His legacy of selfless service, dedication, and passion for railroading will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held on [date] at First Baptist. The family invites all who knew Larry to join in honoring his remarkable life and contributions.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ALS United of Georgia and Boy Scout Troop 32 in Larry’s memory.
May his spirit continue to inspire and his legacy endure through the many lives he touched.