Homer Dallas (Speck) Lavender, the only child of Charles Marcus and Ethel Cary Lavender, husband of the love of his life, Virginia Alice, father of Suzanne and Mary Beth, stepfather of James Smith (Lois), died peacefully at home on February 18, 2018.
As a child, his parents instilled the values of independence, of hard work, and of compassion, traits which steered the course of his life. He was an underage volunteer during World War II who needed his parents' permission to enlist in the Navy.
Boatswain's Mate Second Class Lavender was discharged at the end of the war. His service continued in the Army Reserves. He graduated from Adjutant General School, qualified with expert designation in small arms and was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged in 1968 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer W-3.
All the while he was a hardworking salesman and "Jameswayman". He rose to Regional Sales Manager with Butler Manufacturing. Those days were some of his fondest memories.
After retirement he rediscovered his love of all things equine. Often, we heard him say that "the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man". He and Shadow made many friends on the trail. Thank you Larry King, Fred Lowery and so many others who shared their passion for horses.
He was always in motion. At 80+ years he volunteered with Hospice and the Statesville Schools Elementary Reading Program. He maintained his landscaping to Augusta National standards, traveled to Hilton Head and spent time riding in Wyoming. He loved a well cut suit with the requisite silk bow tie and French cuffs, but was just as comfortable in a denim shirt and a pair of well-worn boots. A cold beer was great, but even better, a gin martini. His eggnog was the stuff of legend.
He was a good neighbor, and had some of the best neighbors. Thank you to the "Newspaper Brigade" Dick, Nancy, Billy and Lourdes. Thank you Bill and Vic for all you did. Thank you Confusion Club for decades for Friday lunches. Thank you to tennis partners, the congregation and children from Forest Park Presbyterian Church, the ladies at Brookdale Florist and Wine Maestro. Many thanks to Lizzie. He so enjoyed the arm chair vacations with you. Thank you Darla, whatever would he have done without your help and care. Pauline, your kindness will be remembered. Jim and Patsy, thank you for years of friendship. You will never be forgotten. Thank you to the best sons-in-law a man could have, Thom and Chris.
This boy from the mountains of Virginia will be taken home by those who love him most. A private memorial and interment will take place at Locust Bottom Cemetery in Glen Wilton, Virginia. He was 93 years old. A life well-lived.
The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.
