posted by Siobhan Riley | January 11, 2011 / 03:11pm | Local News
Community Remembers "Touched by an Angel" Actor
AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) - Actor and Amory native John Dye passed away Monday in San Francisco. Family members say he died from heart related problems.
Most people remember Dye from the television series "Touched by an Angel" and "Tour of Duty."
If you ever pay a visit to Amory, you'll find that everybody has something good to say about John Dye. The actor achieved his greatest fame on the hit television show "Touched By an Angel."
"He was a real person, he was probably a real angel. He was so kind and so sweet."
WCBI News found a tribute to him on you tube. John, who was only 47-years old, grew up in Amory and attended Tupelo High School. He went on to college at the University of Memphis (it was then Memphis State University) where he majored in fine arts and theater.
"He could bring sunshine to your life," said Jim Dye, John's father.
Jim was looking at pictures of his first born son and tells us that in addition to John's passion for acting, he also loved sponsoring fundraisers for charities.
"He cared for people very much. He was very giving. Had a lot of causes that he supported real well. Make a Wish Foundation, AIDS research," Dye added.
The Amory community is showing its support. Many people considered John to be a role model who touched many lives.
"He was our hometown hero and now he's not with us anymore. He's so far, we can't get to him. We can't see him," said Ruth Griffith, who's a good friend.
His family said he had a dynamic personality and sometimes worked too hard.
"There's a lot you like to have said. 'Take care of yourself, son. You go too hard and play too hard and you work too hard.' Slow down and he didn't and his heart gave out; he just went too hard," Dye continued.
Family members say their son wasn't just an angel on the television show but he's also an angel in heaven.
Funeral arrangements have not been set at this time.
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