Dr. Stewart W Dyess, PhD

Stewart Wood Dyess, age 84, passed from this life at home among loved ones on April 15, 2018. A forty-year resident of Lubbock, Stewart was born on December 25, 1933, in Holland, Tx, the last of four children of Bonnie B. Dyess and Dixie Dot Wood Dyess. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Austin where Stewart attended Austin public schools graduating from Austin High School in 1952. He attended St. Edwards University, The University of Texas at Austin, and continued his education at East Texas State University where he obtained his B.S and M.S degrees in Library Science. He received his Doctorate of Education from Texas Tech University in March of 1977. Stewart served in the U. S. Army as a Supply Specialist and Armorer and was honorably discharged in 1958. He began public employment at age 8 when he was hired to be a Page in the Texas State Legislature. He worked at the State Capitol in various capacities until after high school. In his varied early professional life, he worked with the highway department monitoring truck weigh stations; had his own watch repair business in Austin and at the time, was the youngest watchmaker in Texas; and he was a case worker with the State Dept. of Public Welfare in Dallas, all while pursuing his college education. He worked as a librarian in Commerce, TX., as Assistant Head Librarian at West Texas State University in Canyon, TX, and beginning in 1971, in Lubbock, TX where he assisted Dean Ray C. Janeway and eventually became Assistant Director of Library Services at Texas Tech University. In this capacity, he was instrumental in the design and construction of the 90,000 square foot addition to the Texas Tech Library. He retired from Texas Tech in 1987. Dr. Dyess has been a member of the Texas Library Association, the American Library Association, Rotary International, and was a 60 year member of the Masonic Order. Also, he served a stint on the Texas Draft Board. A dedicated Christian since childhood, Stewart taught Sunday School for many years. At the time of his death, he was an active member of First United Methodist Church and the HI Robinson Sunday School class. He enjoyed the outdoors and travel, especially travel to new and unfamiliar locations. He was preceded in death by his parents; his three siblings, Noble and Burke Dyess, and Neva Zoe Dyess Jasperson. In 2004, Stewart lost his wife of 48 years, Dessie Mae Votaw Dyess. In 2006, Stewart married lifelong friend Shirley Gillespie Hull Dyess. He is survived by his wife Shirley; by son George Stewart Dyess and wife Susan of Lubbock; stepson Robert Lee Hull and wife Cassandra of Liberty Hill, TX; stepdaughter Julia Hull Young of Elgin, IL; and stepdaughter Mary Kathryn Hull Arnold and husband Rick of Seguin, TX; 10 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Stewart will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, Lubbock, TX,to be led by Rev. Shera Atkinson assisted by Rev. Carter Gillespie of Greensboro, NC, and directed by Sanders Funeral Home. Yellowhouse Masonic Lodge will conduct a graveside service at City of Lubbock Cemetery following the church service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to either the South Plains Food Bank, Hospice of Lubbock, or First United Methodist Church of Lubbock.e.

Dr. Stewart W Dyess, PhD

December 25, 1933 - April 15, 2018