of Conway, AR
October 18, 1933 - May 12, 2021
Don Dyer was born on October 18, 1933, to Julia and E.T. Dyer. He was raised in Clarendon, Arkansas, where he graduated high school. Dyer earned his B.S.E. in physical education in 1955 and his M.S.E. in counselor education in 1962 from Henderson State University. He was involved in football, basketball, track and ROTC. Dyer was captain of the football team and was voted best athlete his senior year. He received the All AIC Award his junior and senior years. Dyer received his commission as a second lieutenant after basic training, serving in the Army from 1955-1957. His coaching career began at DeValls Bluff. Coaching at England High School from 1958-1961, his girls' team won state championships two years and were semi-finalists one year. He took the Perryville (Mo.) High School team to their first and only state tournament appearance.
In 1963, Dyer came to Henderson as the men's basketball coach. Henderson was the first Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference team to play in the NAIA National Championship game. Under his leadership Henderson enjoyed four trips to the NAIA National Tournament, won eight AIC titles, four District 17 titles and was the NAIA national runner up in 1976, taking third place in 1977. Dyer coached seven All Americans and holds the best AIC record ever for a 10-team league. Dyer was the runner-up for the National Coach of the Year for Small Colleges in 1975- 1976. Dyer again enjoyed remarkable success as head coach at UCA from 1979 until he retired in 1993.
Dyer was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, as well as the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1992. He was an inaugural inductee into the Henderson Hall of Honor in 1997 and the UCA Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Dyer is the only coach to take two different schools to the NAIA National Championship games. At the time of his retirement, his career collegiate record of 606-277. Dyer was the most winning collegiate men's basketball coach on any level in Arkansas.
Don recalled his time as a student at Henderson as four of the best years of his life. He came with a full athletic scholarship offered to him by Coach Duke Wells. Dyer claimed ''this was a turning point in my life, for without this scholarship I was not financially able to attend college. Coach Wells was like a father to me because my dad had passed away when I was one year old.'' Dyer was a former member of the HSU Alumni Board and was involved in numerous community boards in Conway where he lives with his wife Mary.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Dyer, son, Don Paul, and two grandchildren, Jourdon and Brandon.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Robert, Benny, Bill Dyer, Tunny Stinnet.
Memorial service will be Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 1:00PM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A reception will be held at the UCA Sports Hall of Fame at Estes Stadium on the UCA campus at 2:30PM.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St. Joseph School Endowment fund.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. I know how much my father enjoyed the years he and Coach Dyer refereed football.
Coach Dyer was a tremendous man. I'll always remember in summer of 93 a couple weeks before he decided to retire him telling me "I am gonna give you an opportunity" That afternoon as my parents and I were leaving town there was a sign on the interstate that read "JESUS LORD OF OPPORTUNITY"
I will never forget that day or the very brief time I had spent around him.
To family of Coach Dyer....we give you our condolences... I played basketball at Henderson State in the sixties under Coach Dyer.
Coach Dyer was the epitome of preparation. I remember him saying, “Ok, do it one more timeâ€. His practice plans were detailed & he was meticulous on doing the little things right!! He planned & practiced for game time execution. I was fortunate to attend his induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame ceremony. In his acceptance speech, he mentioned it was his mom’s birthday. Thanks for the ride Coach Dyer!! RIP!!
My deepest condolences to all the family. Coach Dyer was a friend, mentor and was wise beyond his years. He was a great coach, but even a better man. Rest in peace coach.
My sincere condolences to the Dyer family. He was a great man that positively influenced the lives many.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends to Coach Don Dyer. He was an amazing coach and master recruiter who welcomed me and my family from day one. You will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Mary and the Dyer family. Coach Dyer was not only a great coach, but an amazing person. I learned so many life lessons from him both on and off the court. I can never thank him enough for what he has done for me as a person. He will be truly missed, but his legacy will continue in the lives of all the young men he influenced over the years.
Mary, Don Paul, and Family, I am very sorry to learn of Don's passing. I met him briefly when we were high school coaches; then we coached against each other many times when he was coaching at Henderson and at UCA. I have considered him to be a great coach with an outstanding record which resulted in so many well deserved, significant honors. I also considered him to be a good friend and and our friendship continued after our coaching careers ended. I pray for the Lord to comfort you during this time when you are hurting, and I hope you will gain comfort from these nice messages. about Don.
Sending our condolences and prayers to you and your family. Coach Dyer was a very kind and caring man. We hold in our hearts fond memories of Coach, Mary and Don Paul. You guys were a blessing to us many times during the years Alvin played a Henderson State.
He taught you how to practice, play hard, and be a gentleman. Always in my heart.....
So sorry to hear of uncle Don's passing. Aunt Mary our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Know that we are sending you our love and support.
I was a young teenager in school at DeValls Bluff High when Coach Dyer came to our little town and school. He was a great coach and everyone liked him. All of us girls thought he was the "best looking" guy we had seen in a long time.... The picture you have here is just how I remembered him. I was on the phone this morning with a high school friend talking about Coach Dyer.
So sorry for your loss. God Bless Your Family!
I was a young teenager in school at DeValls Bluff High when Coach Dyer came to our little town and school. He was a great coach and everyone liked him. All of us girls thought he was the "best looking" guy we had seen in a long time.... The picture you have here is just how I remembered him. I was on the phone this morning with a high school friend talking about Coach Dyer.
So sorry for your loss. God Bless Your Family!
Mary and Don Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless and care of your families.
So sorry for your loss. Praying for you during this difficult time.
I am sorry for your loss. My mom always liked and respected Co Dyer. I am praying for you all.
Don, I am sorry to hear of your Father's passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
A great coach and an even greater man. Have some great memories. Comfort and peace to Mary and Don Paul
To the Precious Family of Coach Don Dyer: Our Condolences goes out to each of you. May Our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ give you Peace, Guidance and Understanding during this Home-Going Celebration of Coach Dyer - A Great Man, A Great Coach, A Great Friend.
You will be missed Coach Dyer. We will Love You ...Always!
- The Pilgrim Family.
Aunt Mary and Don Paul, I'm very sorry to hear of Uncle Don's passing. Our thoughts and love are with You both.
Don,
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
Even though I spelled my name†Dayerâ€. It is pronounced “Dyerâ€. And because of that a lot of people thought we were related. We are not. That was an ongoing joke between Don and I.I cannot tell you how many phone calls we had visiting about Real Estate. He became a true friend and somewhat of a mentor. As anyone who knew him , Don was special.I will miss him as will a lot of folks. My prayers for Mary and the family. God just got one of the greats.
Larry James & Family
Coach Dyer, one of the BEST COACH & MOTIVATOR.
RIP
Prayers are with you and Family
Larry James "Spook"
Heartfelt condolences to the Dyer family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. As one of his former players I didn't realize doing the the time I was at UCA how much his philosophy on coaching his players parallel life. To take a quote from Coach Bean "If you played for him there were no shortcuts at all. You didn't really appreciate him a lot when you were playing for him -- you were just trying to survive." I was a walk-on at UCA in 1979, his first year there. I learn some valuable life lessons from Coach Dyer and I thank him for the opportunity to play for him. ðŸ™ðŸ¿RIP
Coach was a good person and roll model.
Heartfelt condolences to the Dyer family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. As one of his former players I didn't realize doing the the time I was at UCA how much his philosophy on coaching his players parallel life. To take a quote from Coach Bean "If you played for him there were no shortcuts at all. You didn't really appreciate him a lot when you were playing for him -- you were just trying to survive." I was a walk-on at UCA in 1979, his first year there. I learn some valuable life lessons from Coach Dyer and I thank him for the opportunity to play for him. ðŸ™ðŸ¿RIP
Coach dyer was one Great Leader in Faith, Sportsmanship, Professor, as well as an Awesome Human Being! I enjoyed my time around Coach Dyer in and out of the Classroom are learning from him on the Court! He will truly be Missed and Loved By All. Thanks for Sharing your Dad and Husband with so many of us near an far! Thanks Coach Dyer for the Memories.
Thanks Sid D. Ragsdale
HSU Alum 76-81
I was Coach Dyer’s assistant the first two years he was at UCA. It was a blessing for me to work for him. I was in awe of him and in our first game he asked me a question and I was scared to answer and I told him I didn’t know. He looked at me and said I’m not paying you not to know and from that day on I knew. The players and I called coach Dad. Thanks Dad for giving me the chance to work for you. As Coach said one more just one before we ended practice
Prayers and condolences to the Dyer family. Coach Don Dyer was an inspiration to all that met him, always cherish the encouragement he gave me at Henderson. I pray God fills the heart of his family and friends during this time of grief . Thanks for the memories Coach Dyer.
Of all the things that might be remembered about Don Dyer, the one which always comes to mind is that he got one technical foul in 35 years of coaching, and it probably was assessed in error. He stayed under control because he respected the game and all who were part of it. He also was successful because he recognized talent, recruited hard, and knew how to coach. Mary, you were most supportive, and you and Don Paul and family have our sincere appreciation and sympathy.
Mary and Family:
Coach Dyer was a great coach and I enjoyed the four years under his leadership. I have a lot of good memories and always enjoyed our visits. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Donald Wayne
Condolences to the family from Joyce and me. Playing basketball and being part of HSU has been an important part of my life . Thanks Coach Dyer for getting me to Arkansas.
I met Coach Dyer my first week on campus at Henderson in 1970. I was walking past the gymnasium and he had stepped outside of the building. He came up to me and asked if I was a student and I said yes. Then, he asked if I could lend him a hand and I said yes again. We went into the gymnasium and there was a large blank board on the floor. Coach Dyer asked if I could paint a Jump Board so he could measure the jump heights of his basketball players. I was thrilled to help. He didn’t know that I was a PE major and a long way from home. He was tickled with the Jump Board I created and I felt like I was a real part of Henderson athletics.
He was such a lovely man and my sincere condolences to his family.
It is with heavy hearts 💔 Malinda and I extend our condolences to Mrs Dyer, Don Paul and the family. As a member of Henderson State basketball 🀠teams it was amazing how Coach Dyer and Coach Reece extracted the competitive spirit from each of his players. We are praying for God to comfort you. To God be the glory for all of the blessings that he has done for you.
It is with heavy hearts 💔 Malinda and I extend our condolences to Mrs Dyer, Don Paul and the family. As a member of Henderson State basketball 🀠teams it was amazing how Coach Dyer and Coach Reece extracted the competitive spirit from each of his players. We are praying for God to comfort you. To God be the glory for all of the blessings that he has done for you.
Mary & Family:
Coach Dyer having been your student Basketball Manager in 1962-1963 at Henderson State was truly a rewarding experience. Being able to associate on a daily basis with a great man & a great coach was an association I will cherish forever.
A daily quote I will always remember,
“Ken, call the dining hall & tell them the players will be late!â€
Rest In Peace Coach, I Love You!
Coach Ken Parks
Coach Dyer is a gift to our State. He was a players coach. His love for his players was so very evident. I officiated many of his games, both at Henderson and UCA. Coach was firm, fair and professional with game officials. I always looked forward to
working assignments to his games.
Coach was a great motivator, inspiring young men every where he went. A born leader! RIP Coach
My Prayers are with his family and all the HSU Family
Coach Dyer was always very open and friendly to this young journalist. He and Coach Bobby Reese ran one helluva ship. During those years, it is without question that our Reddies could have beaten the Razorbacks! Without question!!!! Rest In Peace, sir!
My condolences to the Dyer family. Coach Dyer was a life changer for me and so many others. He took a chance a gave me and so many others an opportunity to go to college. Whenever we talked I always let him know how much I appreciated him.
My wife and I will be praying for comfort during this tough time for his family.
Jael and Anthony Samuel (Rambler)
UCA Basketball
I have such wonderful memories of Coach Dyer. He was a true gentleman and a great coach and teacher. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Sorry to hear for the loss of uncle knocker. He was always the best to visit with. All the stories. My daddy thought the world of him. Prayers to Aunt Mary and Don Paul.
Coach was one of the kindest gentlemen I’ve ever known. He helped many of us.
RIP Coach. It was fun competing against you as a player and a coach. You were certainly one of a kind.
Mrs. D and Don Paul may God comfort you in this loss. Coach was a special person to me during my playing time at Henderson and we communicated every year after I graduated in 1968 until his illness. I miss those calls which might occur during the day or late at night. I’ve thanked him several times for getting me out of the cotton patch at Dyess. God bless you!!
A great coach and teacher. He was truly a southern gentleman! Prayers for his family!
I was so sorry to hear of Coach Dyer's passing earlier today. Truly one of the outstanding college coaching careers. Don touched so many lives during his years at Henderson and then at UCA.
I always loved getting those telephone calls with questions regarding a game. I cannot emphasize how much I learned from Don....not just basketball, but life lessons as well.
Arkansas has truly lost a coaching legend.
To Mary and the family we send out sympathy and prayers.
RIP Coach....
My sincere condolences to Mary and Don Paul. Coach was a true gentleman and friend. I had tremendous respect for him. Always enjoyed the phone calls. May God’s Grace bring Peace and Comfort to You.
There is not enough room here to post my thoughts about Coach Dyer. He was a great coach and mentor, and injected his unique brand of humor in every conversation we ever had. Even when I left UCA in 1990, I could count on Coach Dyer to find me with a phone call. He will be truly missed.
Mary, I bought your house in Arkadelphia when I moved back after my husband died in 1983. I have enjoyed living there so much.
My sincere thoughts are with the entire Dyer family. While my interactions with Coach Dyer were not lengthy they were of the upmost quality. I really appreciated speaking with him and playing against his teams as I went to Hendrix. I think it says a lot about Coach Dyer for one of his fiercest rivals to respect him just as much.
Coach Dyer will truly be missed. Even as competitors on the court, he always treated me with dignity and respect.
My sincerest regrets. Wonderful coach and community member.