Dr. John Walter Stewart, born March 28, 1928, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3 in Montevallo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Isaac Stewart and Maude Carter Stewart, and his wife of 68 years, Lauris Mattina Stewart.

He is survived by his sister, Wanda S. Stewart and three children, John Walter Stewart, Jr., (Kathy), Glenn Alan Stewart (Kelly) and Kevin Floyd Stewart; grandchildren, Kristen Stewart Gannon (Brad), Mary Ann Stewart Holt (David), Michael Alan Stewart, (Leslie), and Laura Meghan Stewart; and five great grandchildren, Mary Isabel Gannon, Ellis Bradford Gannon, Abigail June Gannon, Benjamin Isaac Gannon, and Lukas Bane Stewart.

Dr. Stewart grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi, graduating from Biloxi High School in 1946 and Louisiana State University in 1951 and 1952 where he received a BME and MME in Music. He enlisted in the Army from 1952-1954 where he served as conductor of the 4th Army Band’s weekly radio broadcast. Following his military service, he earned his Ed.D from Florida State University in 1961, doing subsequent post-doctoral study in Music Administration at Eastman School of Music in 1967.

Dr. Stewart was appointed associate professor of music at Alabama College in 1961, and in 1963 became chairman of the Music Department. He established the first wind ensemble on campus. In 1972 he was given oversight of the planning and construction of the new music building, now Davis Hall. He was a frequent performer on saxophone and clarinet in department faculty recitals. He was also saxophone soloist with the Birmingham Symphony, clarinetist and guest conductor of the Alabama Pops Orchestra, and conductor of numerous operas and musicals on UM campus. When the College of Fine Arts was created at the University of Montevallo in 1972, Dr. Stewart was named dean.

In 1988, he was named interim president of the university, then president, a position which he held until his retirement in 1992. He counted among the useful accomplishments during that period the restoration of mutual trust and a spirit of collegiality on campus and the construction of the Stewart Student Retreat Center and a Mass Communications Building.

Throughout his career, he was active in numerous professional, educational, and honor organizations. He was on the Board of Directors for Alabama Symphony, Alabama Pops Orchestra, State of Alabama Ballet, and Southern Regional Opera. He was president of the Alabama Association of Music Education Specialists. He was chairman of Alabama Association of College Music Administrators, Alabama Chapter of National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, and the Art and Humanities Council of Shelby County Board of Directors. Among his academic society affiliations are Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Mu Alpha, Pi Kappa Lambda and Kappa Kappa Psi.

Dr. Stewart was a long-time member of Montevallo First United Methodist Church where he served many years as choir director. He was also a Master Mason in Lodge Central 70 in Montevallo.

After retirement, John and Lauris sailed their Pearson sloop, “Lauris”, to the Bahamas each fall, and returned in the spring, realizing a longtime dream of sea travel in a small boat.

A family graveside service was at Montevallo Cemetery on Friday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. A memorial service will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lauris and John Stewart Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Montevallo.

Mr. Hayes Gipson is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. He was a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University. During his tenure as a student, he played Clarinet and Oboe in the University Band under the Leadership of the Late Mr. Russell Boone who passed away earlier this year. Mr. Gipson along with 16 other bandsmen, Mr. Boone and University President Dr, James H. White and two other faculty members, were installed as charter members of the Delta Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi on May 5, 1962. The Delta Pi Chapter along with the Gamma Eta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, was the first fraternal organizations to be established on the campus. After graduation, Mr. Gipson served as a teacher, coach and administrator with the Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, Louisiana for 29 years. He was also President of the National Educators Association. He also served 10 years with the Dallas ISD in Texas. He also served as a consultant and travel agent for the Dallas Metroplex area. He later became a member of the Delta Pi Alumni Association where he was recently honored with the DPAA Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to bands and education. Mr. Hayes passed away on November 3, 2020.

Robert Alan Seegmiller, age 59, of Sachse, Texas passed away on October 31, 2020. Robert (Bob) was born on January 20, 1961 in Elmhurst, Illinois to Ruth and Richard Seegmiller.

Robert was a 1983 graduate of Oklahoma State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was a member of the OSU Marching Band, a member of the Kappa Kappa Psi honorary band fraternity and a member of the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity a Member and Past-President, Insurance Auditors Association of Dallas and Insurance Auditors Association of the Southwest, a volunteer with Special Olympics of Texas, a volunteer coach with Buddy League of Garland where his daughter Kathryn played ball for many years. Robert was very involved in the Catholic Community serving as a CCD Teacher at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Richardson TX for many years. He was a 4th Degree member Knights of Columbus (a Catholic Men’s Fraternal and Service Organization) holding numerous positions including Charter Member of St. Paul’s Council 12021, Grand Knight and District Deputy for Dallas. He was also actively involved with Hike for Life. He was most proud of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Seegmiller of Sachse, a sister Susan Seegmiller of Wylie, TX and sister Joanne Fredrickson of Richardson, Texas along with numerous nieces and nephews including Julianna Fredrickson of Richardson, TX. He is preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Richard Seegmiller.

Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Richardson, Texas with the Knights of Columbus leading the rosary at 10:00 am with Internment following at Restland Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Robert’s memory to his daughter Kathryn towards her long-term care or Hike for Life Dallas.

A Celebration of the life of Pat Dryburg will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2020 at First Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm Friday at the funeral home.

Pat Dryburg died Wednesday, October 28, 2020 in Lawton, Oklahoma at the age of 54. He was born August 11, 1966 in Nuremberg, Germany to Dennis J. and Rosemarie Dryburg. He grew up in Lawton and was a 1984 graduate of Eisenhower High School. He later attended Cameron University on a music scholarship, playing trumpet with the Cameron Band and was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi fraternity. Pat married Helena John on November 14, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Pat had worked for Gibson’s Discount Center and Sam’s Club before beginning a 27-year career with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a tire builder.

Pat had been a member of DeMolay International and the Masonic Lodge. He loved cycling and was a member of the Goodyear Cycling Club where he served as commissioner, a member of Team Phoenix Racing and a member of the Southwest Oklahoma Bicyclists. He was also a triathlete, competing in his first two triathlons in 2016 and 2017. He was also an avid Pittsburgh Steeler and University of Oklahoma football fan.

He is survived by his wife, Helena John Dryburg, of the home; two daughters, Cara Morgan Dryburg, Wichita Falls, Texas and Brittney Marie Newton and husband Gage, Lawton, Oklahoma; his mother, Rosemarie Dryburg, Lawton, Oklahoma; five step children and their spouses, Blake John and Emily, Edmond, Oklahoma, Matt John and Ravonne, Centerton, Arkansas, Jade Harle, Lawton, Oklahoma, Roger Harle and Karli, Lake Dallas, Texas and Joshua Braydon John, Stillwater, Oklahoma; six step grandchildren, Barrett, Ellie Cate, Nathan, Rowan, Simeon and Haydon; his sisters, Heidi Campeau and husband Clay, Haley, Idaho and Tammy King and husband Toby, Irving, Texas; nephews, Christopher and his wife Cecilia and Brandon as well as a great niece and great nephew.

His father preceded him in death.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Goodyear Recreation Association, 1 Goodyear Blvd., Lawton, Oklahoma 73505.

William Rhodes Dick, age 82, passed on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on April 5, 1938 to Paul and Phoebe (Rhodes) Dick.

William is survived by his children, Phillip Joseph Dick of Mississippi and Elizabeth (Joseph) Shewell of Youngstown, Ohio.

William was very active in local community bands and he enjoyed researching family genealogy.  He was known as “the popcorn man” at local car shows and events and for his portrayal of Santa Claus.  William was artistic and that talent was evident in his carvings of lilac wood which he made into various crosses and animals to sell at local craft fairs.

Besides his parents, William was also preceded in death by his sister, Emmy Lou Chaples.

Paschal Memorial Funeral Home of 181 North Church St. Jeffersonville,GA announces the Graveside Service for Mr. Christian Perry, 28, of Atlanta, GA who passed away Thursday Oct. 22, 2020.

Graveside services will be held Saturday Oct. 31, 2020 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church cemetery 8202 GA Hwy 96 Jeffersonville, GA at 11:00 a.m.

Public viewing will be held Friday at Rucker & Shelton Funeral Home, 2199 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 from 1:00-6:00 p.m.

Public viewing will also be held Saturday at The Graveside Services.

Due to COVID-19, masks are required for viewing and service.

Professional services are entrusted to Paschal Memorial Funeral Home of Jeffersonville, GA.

Preston Andrew Spencer, 35, of Tyler, was born on July 20, 1985 to Tony and Vicki Spencer in Henderson, Texas. He attended Carlilse schools and graduated in 2003, ranked third in his class, and was voted as Mr. CHS and Prom King. He then attended Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas where he was a member of the Apache Band, Wind Ensemble, and Tuba/Euphonium Choir. He was instrumental in the recolonization of the Zeta Xi chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at TJC. After completing his Associate of Music degree, he transferred to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He was a member of the Spirit of Northwestern (SON) band, Tuba/Euphonium studio, and the Theta Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. He received a Bachelor of Music and as a band director touched the lives of many.

He passed away on October 17, 2020 in Tyler and was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clyde and Margaret Spencer of New London, Texas; his maternal grandparents, Jimmy and Joyce Foster of Henderson, Texas; and his grandmother-in-law, Ruth Craigo of Pineville, Louisiana. He is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Amanda Spencer of Tyler, Texas; parents, Tony and Vicki Spencer of Leesville, Louisiana; sister, Paige Cryer and husband Jeremy and children Faith Cryer, Breanna Mooney, Caitlyn Mooney, Jeremy Cryer II, and Evangeline Cryer; and great-nephew, Kailen Burgess. Also surviving are in-laws, Mel and Lisa Sarvis and son Blake of Pineville, Louisiana; a host of uncles, aunts and cousins, Chris and Stephanie Comstock and son Gabriel of Tyler, Texas; and a plethora of brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity.

The celebration of life service for Preston will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 10:30 am at New Covenant Church in Tyler with Pastor Roger Sims Jr. officiating under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers are the Alpha Line of the Zeta Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi at Tyler Junior College: Shannon Charvis, Joshua Craddock, Mark Dorsey, Giquan Garrett, Matthew Maldonado, Steven Mullens, Marc Nicholson, Jake Penrod, Tyler Prock, CT Ricks, Will Ross, and Jamey Whitley.

James R. Wallace, 78, passed away September 17, 2020 at Mercy Hospital of Folsom. James was born in Van Nuys, Calif., September 13, 1942. He married Judith Henry, November 23, 1968. They later divorced. He was a devoted father of two sons.

James graduated from Tehachapi H.S. in 1960 and attended Bakersfield College, where he was a member of the Bakersfield College Marching Band. He graduated from Sacramento State University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. He served two years in the U.S. Army, including eleven months in Viet Nam. In 1968 he settled in Sacramento, Calif. and began a 30+ year career with Wells Fargo Bank. He was a member of Rotary Club.

He retired in 2001 and traveled throughout the United States and abroad. He was a photographer with the Purdue Marching Band, traveling with them during football season. He relocated to West Lafayette, Indiana, but kept ties with his home in Sacramento.

James is survived by sons, Brian Wallace, of Sacramento and Jeffrey Wallace, of Hood River, Oregon and sister Judy Wiggins, of Bakersfield, Calif., daughter in law, Anna Butterfield and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his adopted daughter, Tiffany Anne Wallace.

A service will be held at Tahoe Taverns in Tahoe City, at noon on October 24, 2020.

George Ed Sparks, 70, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) at James Madison University and a resident of Harrisonburg, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia.

George was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on June 17, 1950 to Florence Byrd and George Washington Sparks. He received his undergraduate degree from Henderson State University in Arkansas, his master’s degree from the University of Michigan, and his doctoral degree in conducting from Louisiana State University. George was a talented clarinet player, music teacher, and conductor whose high standards of musicianship inspired fellow musicians, students, and colleagues alike.

Prior to joining JMU as dean of the CVPA, George served as Director of Bands (1995-2005) and as the inaugural director of the School of the Arts (2005-2008) at Florida Atlantic University. He was also the founding musical director and conductor of the FAU Wind Symphony of Florida.

During his tenure at JMU (2008-2020), George oversaw the construction of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts and CVPA facility expansions and upgrades, established an Arts Learning Community and residence hall for on-campus arts students, initiated a Cultural Connections guest artist series, and strengthened a network of opportunities for arts students by facilitating connections between the CVPA and local, state, national, and international arts and arts education organizations. He was a dedicated, inspiring and selfless administrator, educator and arts advocate who worked tirelessly to ensure that students benefited from the CVPA’s focus on the arts’ value to human creativity, the human spirit, and the community.

George is survived by his wife, Sheryl Gifford. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who knew him.

A celebration of George’s life is scheduled for 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. Please note: due to COVID restrictions, attendance at the church is limited to family and guests by invitation only.

Mr. Russell Boone, MVSC Band Director, attended the public schools of St. Louis, Missouri, playing in both the band and the orchestra in high school. He graduated Cum Laude from Lincoln University of Missouri and received a master’s degree from the University of Missouri. He has also done some work at St. Louis University and the University of Illinois. For a number of years, he was Drum Major, Music Arranger, and Drill Instructor of the American Legion Post 77 Drum and Bugle Corps of St. Louis, Missouri. This group has been in many times state champions and has represented the state in the National Championship. At the Chicago Convention in 1939, he won the trophy as best drum major in the National Parade. During World War II, he served in the Navy as a musician. In addition to playing duties, he was Drum major and Drill Instructor for the Negro Bands assembled and trained at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Before coming to MVSC, Mr. Boone was Band Director and Music Instructor at the Douglas Junior Senior High School in Columbia, Missouri, where his band won top honors in state and out-of-state festivals and engaged in an extensive exchange concert program with other high schools. He is was member of the Mississippi Teachers Association, Phi Delta Kappa, College Band Directors’ National Association, and served for two years as Chairman of the Columbia Fine Arts Teachers Association. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

Under the leadership of Mr. Russell Boone, the Mississippi Valley State College Band changed the total thinking philosophy of what school bands should present within the total performance package. Breaking new grounds in contemporary concepts in band innovation under Mr. Boone’s leadership, the program was the first to break away from the traditional marching band cliché to the Drum Corp Style in 1961, by introducing “atmospheric ornamentation” and drill designs within the field show presentations. The halftime shows ran the gamut of standard marches, Show & Broadway musicals, classical excerpts, and popular tunes. Other accolades and accomplishments include the following:

• New Uniforms, New Instruments, & New Music in his first year.
• Lead Band of the Mississippi State Fair Parade
• Hosted “First Annual Band Day District Festival” 1962 & 1963
• 500 Festival Parade – Indianapolis, Indiana May 28, 1962
• Implementation of the College Swing Band
• named band the “101 Piece” Marching Band 1963
• Southeast Regional Concert Tours – 1962, 1963, 1964
• 500 Festival Parade – Indianapolis, Indiana, 1964
• Tournament of Roses Parade – Pasadena, California January 1, 1965 (First HBCU to be invited)
• Main Street USA Parade at Disneyland, January 2, 1965
• He named the band the “MVC133” 1965 (Showing growth in membership)
• Tournament of Roses Parade – Pasadena, California January 1, 1968 (First HBCU to be invited twice)
• President Richard M. Nixon Inaugural Parade – Washington, D.C. January 1969 (2nd HBCU Band to Perform)

With his love for music and service, he led seventeen bandsmen 4 women and their assistant band director T.W. Tyler, along with their Music Department Chairman, F.P. Abraham and University President, Dr. James Herbert White, chartered the first HBCU chapter in Mississippi. Joining the ranks of other chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi in Mississippi, including the Epsilon Chapter of Mississippi State University, Beta Beta Chapter of the University of Mississippi, and Gamma Chi Chapter of University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Vocational College (Mississippi Valley State University), received the charter of Delta Pi Chapter on May 5, 1962. Delta Pi, along with Tau Beta Sigma – Gamma Eta Chapter were the FIRST Fraternity and Sorority on the Mississippi Valley State University Campus at the time of the charter. Mr. Boone served as Director of Bands from 1960-1972. He later served as Chairman of the Fine Arts Department from 1972-7981 and from 1984-1987. In October 2019, Mr. Boone was honored by the Delta Pi Alumni Association with the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Silver Baton Award from the Kappa Kappa Psi National Office. Mr. Russell Boone died peacefully at his home in St. Louis, Missouri on September 10, 2020 at the age of 99.