Lucius DYAL Obituary

DYAL, Lucius Mahlon "Jake" Jr. 86, passed away on January 23, 2024 in the presence of his family. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kay Rankin Dyal; and their three children, Juliet Dyal Gray (Christian), Caroline Dyal (partner Peter), and Lucius M. "Jake" Dyal III (Star); as well as grandchildren, Lucius IV, Kinsey, and Summer Dyal. Jake was born in Gadsden, AL, the only child of Lucius Mahlon Dyal and Juliet McCall Dyal. While the family home was always in Woodbine, GA, Jake lived with his parents in Venezuela for 10 years as a child, attending school there before returning to the United States. After his first year of high school in Woodbine, he attended Culver Military Academy, graduating Cum Laude with honors in Spanish. Jake received his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University in 1959 where he was recognized as one of the five top graduates in his program. War Eagle. In 1964, Jake entered the University of Florida College of Law, where he served as Chancellor of the UF Honor Court. Upon graduation from law school in 1966, Jake moved to Tampa, FL, and joined Shackleford, Farrior, Stallings, Glos, and Evans. Shortly after joining the firm, Jake met Kay Rankin. They became engaged not long after, marrying at Hyde Park Methodist Church in 1968. Throughout their marriage, Jake and Kay enjoyed raising their children in Tampa, entertaining, often hosting upwards of 50 friends, family, and acquaintances annually at the week-long celebration that is a Dyal Thanksgiving, traveling, and more. In between playing as many rounds of golf as possible, Jake practiced Labor and International Law at Shackleford Farrior for 35 years, acted as President of that firm for several years, and led its merger into Gray-Robinson until he left the firm in 2002. Jake then joined HCE Corporation in Winter Haven as its Vice President and General Counsel and became Director of its Mexican operations until 2013. He served as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association until 2024. Jake was a member of the Hillsborough Bar, Florida Bar, the American Bar and International Bar Associations and was an honorary member of the Bar Associations of Bogota, Colombia, and Lima, Peru, which recognized his work in human rights with the prestigious Order of Jose Leon Barandiaran in 2013. Jake's generosity of time and compassion for others was further evidenced in his work as a trustee and chair of numerous boards in Tampa and beyond. Jake was devoted to his family and his words of love, advice, and wisdom will never leave them. A memorial service will be held at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 W. San Jose St., Tampa, FL, on Saturday, February 10 at 10 am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Auburn University Foundation Civil Engineering Department in honor of Lucius "Jake" Dyal at 1320 Shelby Center, Auburn, AL 36849.