"Home is Where the Heart Is" may best describe the life of Arnold Douglas Dyre -- truly a giant of a man, not only in stature but in character and life experiences.  Arnold began his life 71 years ago, born in Kilmichael, MS, and left this life, after a heart attack and automobile accident, on Monday, June 12, 2017 in Madison, MS, where he lived and had practiced law.

Arnold was a dedicated and loving husband, brother and friend. Arnold's life experiences are ingrained in the lives of those he loved and have been shared with innumerable readers throughout Mississippi and beyond in his numerous writings and five published books.  His keen wit and intelligence have delighted and enchanted his many loyal readers.

Arnold's life reads like a novel.  Educated at the University of Mississippi, he made his first impact on the world as a patriot serving in the Seventh Fleet of the  United States Navy aboard the U.S. Destroyer U.S.S. Ernest G. Small.   From 1967-1970, Arnold served as a Radioman RM2 on the "Small" with tours of duty including Anti Submarine Warfare exercises in Guam, the Philippine Islands, Japan, the Coral Sea, China, Asia and Vietnam.  It was during this time, on leave, that he married the love of his life, Beverly Biddy. They were married until her death on June 1, 2016.  In his later years, Arnold successfully fought to have the military grant disability status to sailors who were exposed to Agent Orange but who had been denied disability and medical expenses because they served on ships and not on land.   As one who suffered the consequences of Agent Orange with cancer and heart disease, Arnold spent his own time and money assisting other sailors in obtaining long needed medical and disability benefits.  He recently learned that he had been recommended for a commendation by the military for his tireless work in this endeavor.

Arnold was a teacher and later an attorney. He opened his law firm in Jackson, practicing throughout the United States and Canada but never forgetting his roots were embedded in the small, southern community in which he was born and loved so dearly.  In recent years, he renewed his passion for writing. Arnold delighted his readers with his stories of growing up as the only son of Arnold and Daisy Dyre and brother to four sisters who will miss him dearly.

Missing him but so happy this awesome man was a part of their lives include sisters Bettye Caldwell and husband Herman of Grenada, MS; Patricia Kimble of Friday Harbor, WA;  Sarah Stuckey and husband Terry of Houston, TX; and Mary Jo Dyre of Murphy, NC; Sister-in-Law Rita Biddy Hankins and husband David; Nieces Elizabeth Dyre Caldwell, Maria Badger Cole and husband Mackenzie; Nephews Herman Mallory Caldwell and wife Tara, David Andrew Badger and wife Jennifer and Blake Hunter Hankins and wife Sloane; Great Nieces Vivian Eliza Hankins, Ava Belle Cole, Violet Cole and Gemma Cole; and Great Nephews Henry Dyre Caldwell, George Tinsley Caldwell and Jackson David Badger.

He was a charter member of the Gore Springs Baptist Church and President of the Gore Springs School Reunion. Arnold's family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Gore Springs Baptist Church Prayer Garden at P.O. Box 29, Gore Springs, MS  38929; to Nations Poplar Creek Cemetery Fund c/o Billy Cummings, Box 488, Hwy 413, Kilmichael, MS  39747; or to any Military Organization that assists medical support or therapy for Veterans.  In keeping with Arnold's attitude, you may also contribute to the charitable organization of your liking.

Arnold now continues his journey, traveling from the top of Duck Hill and beyond . . . .

A Memorial "Service of Honors" for the life of Arnold Douglas Dyre will be held on July 26, 2017, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at McKibben & Guinn Funeral Service, Grenada, Mississippi.