Lasses a-lilting before dawn o' day;
But now they are moaning on ilka green loaning;
"The Flowers of the Forest are a' wede away".
Miller David MacFarlane Fergusson Dial was born May 2, 1924, in Forest, Cherokee County, Texas, and died Friday, May 20, 2005, in Baton Rouge.
He is survived by two sons, M. David Dial Jr., Dallas, and Dr. Jack G. Dial, Irving, Texas; a granddaughter, Kim Brath, Baytown, Texas; two stepsons, James M. Brady III and John D. Brady, both of Baton Rouge; two stepgranddaughters, Kelli Brady Larose, Mandeville, and Stacy Brady, San Diego; three great-grandsons, all of Baytown, Texas; and a special friend, Herta Spann, Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Sayers Dial; and second wife, Dodie Rogillio Dial.
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Miller was a resident of Baton Rouge for 40 years. He was a retired vice president of CF Industries Inc. He was active in many civic and business organizations, including Junior Achievement, the Chamber of Commerce and SCORE He was a former member of the board of the Louisiana Chemical Association and Bayoulands Bank.
He served for five years on the Louisiana Commission on Ethics for Public Employees during the administration of Gov. David C. Treen. Active in the Republican Party for many years, he assisted in founding the Republican Hispanic Assembly of Louisiana for Gov. Treen and President Reagan. He served as a delegate for President Bush at the Republican National Convention in 1988.
He was a Free Mason and member of St. James Lodge 47, Baton Rouge Consistory, Plains Commandery 11 and the Royal Order of Scotland.
In 1976, he was a founding member of the Caledonian Society of Baton Rouge, a Scottish heritage society, having served as its first president, and was awarded the society's Grant Award in 1989.
He was the second president of the re-formed Scottish St. Andrew Society of Louisiana, originally organized in 1807, and was awarded the society's Bruce Award for outstanding service to the Scottish American community with special recognition from President Reagan.
He was a charter member of the St. Andrew Society of Baton Rouge. He was a longtime member of the Clan Fergusson Society of North America and served as its secretary from 1980 to 1994 and as president-elect from 1994 to 2000.
He was an active life member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Military Order of the Stars and Bars and was past commander of the Louisiana Society, M.O.S.&B. He was a lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers and IEEE. He was an avid golf player and was a member of the Baton Rouge Country Club. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and active in its mission program in Mexico.
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
the saints triumphant rise in bright array;
the King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
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The Reverend Doctor Lonnie M. Sibley ~ First Chief & Founding Member
Born December 21, 1923 ~ Died April 19, 2004.
Patriot
Scholar
Leader
Shepherd
Founder
Pastor
Counselor
Husband
Father
Friend
These are some of the words that come to mind when I hear The Late Reverend Doctor Lonnie M. Sibley's name.
Patriot:
Lonnie served his country in W.W.II in the US Army Air Corps Medical Corps, Search and Rescue Unit in the China-Burma-India Theater. Today this falls under Special Forces SOC (Special Operations Command).
Scholar:
Lonnie was a 1942 graduate of Istrouma High School. He had a BS from LSU 1949; MS LSU in 1950; M.Th. From Perkins School of Theology, SMU in 1959 and a D.Min. Drew University in 1982.
Leader:
Lonnie was a very influential Officer of the Caledonian Society of Baton Rouge serving from 1993 to 1994 as Treasurer. He served the CSBR for many years on their Board of Directors from the late 1980s into the 21st Century.
I remember well his tireless efforts at Highland Games, Kirking of the Tartans, Burns Nights, and countless Board Meetings. I recall the wonderful hospitality he and his wife Eleanor extended in hosting the Scottish Cultural Study Group on many occasions. I also recollect the hospitality of "Dogwood", his country retreat.
Shepherd:
Lonnie was active in the Clan Davidson Society (USA) where he is currently CO-director of Region 10 that comprises the states of Louisiana, Mississippi & Alabama. Lonnie derived his connections to the Clan Davidson through his connections to the Dawson Family which is a Sept of the Clan
Founder:
As the Chief of the St. Andrew Society of Baton Rouge, I am often reminded that Lonnie was the first Chief of our Society. Those are redoubtable shoes to try to fill!
The St. Andrew Society of Baton Rouge (SABR) was founded by several gentlemen in Baton Rouge in 1997. Many of the first members were members of the St. Andrew Society of Louisiana that was founded in 1807 in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was believed that a similar society could be organized in Baton Rouge. Thus a formation committee met on October 27, 1997, at Giamanco's Restaurant. The acting presiding officer was the Rev. Dr. Lonnie Sibley. When the St. Andrew Society of Baton Rouge's By-laws were written it was decided that a distinction of the presiding officer would be "Chief" rather than President. Lonnie served as Chief of the St. Andrew Society of Baton Rouge from 1997 until 1999. Lonnie continued to serve the St. Andrew Society of Baton Rouge as the Society's Chaplain.
Pastor:
As many of you may know Lonnie was ordained a Methodist minister in 1959. He pastored the Clinton Methodist Church; Caddo Heights Methodist Church; He served churches in Shreveport, Bogalusa & Little Rock. He has served as a Hospital Chaplain and Chaplain to the Louisiana Woman's Prison. Lonnie has served the Methodist Church in many different leadership roles.
Ever ready to pray, it was clear that Lonnie had an open line to the Lord. His prayers always embodied the strength of a man accustomed to talking with God without the pomposity so often associated with preachers.
Once, when my son Jamie was little, he asked me about the St. Andrew medal I wore around my neck, "…Dad, who is this?" …why son it is St. Andrew the Apostle…" Jamie asked, "Who's THAT?!" "Why he is Jesus' friend!" "OH!", he said, then there was a thoughtful pause …and he said, "can I be Jesus' friend?" "Yes, son you can." Just as the Apostle Andrew, Lonnie Sibley could best be called "Jesus' friend".
Counselor:
Lonnie was a member of the American Mental Health Counselors Association; as well as other professional counseling associations and practiced as a pastoral counselor and hypnotherapist.
Husband:
It is often said that behind every good man there is a good woman. In Lonnie's case that good woman is Eleanor Yeargan. They were married in May of 1946. I cannot think of one without thinking of the other. Truly they were a team.
Father:
Lonnie was the father to three sons, all doctors! One is a surgeon, one an Emergency Room Doc and one a Dentist who is in Law School.
Lonnie was Grandfather of 4!
Friend:
Sapienter Si Sincere- "Wisely if Sincerely" That is the motto of the Clan Davidson. I believe that motto best summed up Lonnie Sibley a friend. Wisdom and Sincerity backed all his actions. Lonnie has been a friend to many and especially to the Scottish and Celtic community.
I was pleased to be able to call Lonnie Sibley "friend". He will be truly missed!
Tom Mungall ~ Chief SABR