Arline Dyess

Arline Young Dyess passed away early in the morning of February 1, 2019. She was 77 years old. Originally from Fountain City near Knoxville, TN, she was the only child born to Georgia and Arlis Young; somehow they managed to raise her with loads of love and caring, without spoiling her. Her father was quite the entrepreneur, running his own plumbing company far beyond the conventional retirement age. Her mother managed the administrative side of the business, yet found the time and energy to work in the church nursery with infants for over 45 years.

Arline graduated from Central High School and then later attended Carson Newman College for two years; she left school to marry Paul White. After moving a few times early on in their marriage to enhance Paul's career prospects, they settled in Norcross, GA, where they focused their time and attention raising their two sons, Stephen and Mark.

Later, the marriage ended and Arline spent several years looking for a suitable partner; her perseverance was rewarded when she met Sam Dyess in the mid 1990s. Sam had just retired from the Dekalb School system as a principal and met Arline on a UGA Alumni tour of Switzerland. Truly kindred spirits, their relationship quickly developed into one of deep love and they were married in June, 1997. She and Sam spent time in both their Atlanta home and their beautiful cabin in Vonore, Tennessee.

Arline and Sam spent many years of their early marriage traveling as fast as their energy and passports would allow. Several glorious winters were spent in Yellowstone National Park, where they enjoyed working as park employees, Sam in the kitchen and of course Arline as the hostess with the mostest, and used every spare extra moment to view wildlife, park scenes by many forms of locomotion--including snowmobile excursions. In addition to their meeting in Europe, they had an epic journey including Australia, New Zealand and the Fiji Islands.

Arline and Sam also enjoyed frequent shorter escapes to their cabin in Vonore, TN where they were greeted by many friends and of course their cats. They spent many wonderful days in their beloved cabin, enjoying the scenery and pastimes of a rural life.

Arline is survived by her loving husband Sam C. Dyess and sons, Paul Stephen White, his wife Courtney R White and their two daughters of Boise, ID. Mark Steward White, his wife Amy A White and their 5 children of Greenville SC. Brian Dyess, his wife Shannon and their two children of Atlanta GA.

The family would request in lieu of flowers that all donations be respectfully sent to either: In memory of Arline Y Dyess

Arline truly was the epitome of friendship, love and caring. She cared deeply about her friends and family, and we all felt that love every day. She noticed when anyone might be down or blue, and wouldn't rest until that person was feeling better, or the situation resolved. The sparkle in her eyes, the laughter in her voice--her smile could light the darkest night. We all felt loved, and we loved her for it. She will be missed, but each time we feel pride, love and elation, we will think of her and smile.