To celebrate the life of George Dewey Stanyard Jr., affectionately known to many as Dewey, we have created this memorial book. Through the voices of his fraternity brothers, family, and cherished friends, we honor Dewey’s incredible journey—from his early years to his transformative time at the illustrious Howard University, and post-Howard University, where Dewey’s life was defined by serving the underserved and maintaining lifelong relationships and deep connections.
Within these pages, you will experience Dewey’s village, one rooted in unity, compassion, and unwavering support. He was more than a friend; he was a guide, a brother, a mentor, and to many, the heart of the community. His wisdom, generosity, and enduring spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Therefore, it is with great honor and humility that the village pays homage to one of its own. As it is now written, he is our ancestor whom we strive to make proud and keep his legacy alive.
Dewey remains with us—in our stories, our hearts, and our shared commitment to carrying forward his legacy. May we continue to honor his memory by living with the same love, strength, and grace that he showed every day.
George Dewey Stanyard Jr., affectionately known by his middle name “Dewey” by family and friends, was the younger of two siblings. He was born on July 30, 1961, to the late George Dewey Stanyard Sr (03-46-Xi Psi) and late Hermine Payne Stanyard, in Charleston, South Carolina.
“everything
Perspective: The Start of a Legacy
by Jonathan Matthews, 7-83-A
originates with my love for the genesis - my Father.”
George Dewey Stanyard Jr. Application for Membership- Lampados Club December 16, 1983
Embroidered on G. Dewey’s Alpha Chapter Cardigan was homage to his foundation in Omega: SUN of 3-46-Xi Psi. This left chested inscription over his heart honors and expresses Dewey's love and gratitude for the originator of his story, his Father, George Dewey Stanyard Sr.
Before Dewey entered Howard University, Omega Psi Phi was ingrained within Dewey through his Father. A graduate and honor student of Burke Industrial High School in Charleston, SC, Dewey Sr entered South Carolina State A&M College in the fall of 1945. On December 14, 1946, Dewey Sr entered the fold of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity through Xi Psi Chapter at South Carolina State. After graduating from college in 1949, with a Bachelor of Science degree in education, Dewey Sr furthered his education at SC State, earning a Master's degree in 1951. At the same time, he began his lifetime service to Omega by joining the Mu Alpha Chapter in Charleston, where he would be an active member of this Chapter for 58 years.
During his storied tenure at Mu Alpha Chapter, Dewey Sr displayed his leadership abilities through the various officer positions he held, including Keeper of Finance, Vice Basileus, and two terms as Mu Alpha’s Basileus in the 1960s. He also held various committee positions at the Chapter and District levels. In 1996, at the 69th Grand Conclave in Los Angeles, his lifelong fraternal service was recognized as he received his 50-year pin. Dewey Sr’s activity and love for Omega served as the seeds within G. Dewey for a lifetime of friendship, service, and love for Omega.
Dewey Sr provided a professional role model to G. Dewey as well. After graduating from SC State, Dewey Sr secured a position at his alma mater, Brick Industrial High School, where he taught math and science, eventually becoming chair of the math department. In 1962, he was promoted to Vice Principal of the newly opened Charles A. Brown High School in Charleston, where he would spend the rest of his career. After four years as Vice Principal, he earned a promotion to the pinnacle position of his career: Principal of Charles A. Brown High School, which he would serve until his retirement in 1980.
Dewey Sr’s service extended beyond Omega and his professional duties. He served on the Board for the local YMCA and Charleston Civic Ballet, was a Boy Scout Commissioner, and was the church clerk for the Morris Street Baptist Church for over 30 years. In October 1951, Dewey Sr was inducted and served a brief stint as an officer in the U.S. Army.
G. Dewey embraced the example his father set and the dedication and service he displayed. Throughout his life, his love and commitment to Omega and the community served as a testimony to his Father, George Dewey Stanyard Sr, the foundation of G. Dewey’s legacy.
Perspective: Friendship
by D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq, 4-82-A
Shortly after being dropped off at Howard University’s Slowe Hall in August of 1980, around 20 freshmen were seated in the lounge area. They’d found rooms for us in the upperclassmen co-ed dorm, and Resident Assistant Rock Newman was laying down his one rule: “If you act like adults, I’ll treat you like adults.” That sounded like a good deal, and we went on our way. That was the day that I first met George Dewey Stanyard Jr. The next day, we went on the Campus Pal’s trip to Kings Dominion, and a
life-long friendship commenced. For most of that freshman year, Dewey, Barry Hudson, and I, along with several other prospectives, spent time together on the yard, at Blackburn Center, and at parties in Slowe Hall. Dewey was always an eclectic dresser, a southern gentleman who enjoyed socializing and holding a myriad of conversations on all intellectual levels.
A lot of the members of the Slowe Hall freshmen class were interested in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. The group also included James McDonald (J-Mac), Ben James, and Ayron Fears, who was one of the upperclassmen. The path to Omega was paved by Dewey’s knowledge that he gleaned from his father, George Stanyard Sr., affectionately known as “The Chief.” Dewey had been to 6th District meetings and Conclaves as a child and knew “which way” he wanted to go upon matriculating at Howard University. He was the son of 3-46-Xi Psi, The Chief, South Carolina State, who was the longtime principal at C.A. Brown High School in Charleston, S.C.
I was fortunate enough to cross in 1982. Dewey, after a short sabbatical, was back in school in 1983. He came into the fold of Omega on March 16, 1984, as #10 on Uncle Benny’s 14 Nephos of Havoc and Hell. By that time, Ayron (17-81-A), Ben (1-82-A), myself, J-Mac (6-82-A), and Barry (1-83-A) were all Omega Men of Alpha Chapter. Ben was the Dean of Pledgees of his Line. Dewey immediately stepped into the office of Assistant Keeper of Records and Seal, his neophyte year.
In addition to socializing together on a regular basis, Dewey was an officer in the chapter while I served as the Basileus. We also worked together as he was the executive assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of The
Hilltop. So, if we weren’t working on fraternity business and issues, we would work to put out the award-winning student newspaper. Dewey oversaw the campus speak-out sections. He would go around campus with a camera and address the issues of the day with the student body. He also played an instrumental role in The Hilltop’s one-on-one interviews with President Dr. James E. Cheek. He’d make sure I had proper business dress attire, with a southern flair, for those meetings with Dr. Cheek. We’d run through the questions to make sure that we were on point for those interviews.
The bonds of brotherhood extended well beyond Howard and his native Charleston as he pursued a career in social work after receiving his degree in Political Science. We attended Conclaves together in Raleigh, Birmingham, Charlotte (twice), and Las Vegas. When my children, the Ledbetter girls, matriculated at Howard, they knew that Uncle Dewey was right down the street.
Dewey embraced Omega Dear as thine own. His character throughout the journey epitomized the Cardinal Principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift. But more importantly, Dewey was a great friend. He was, as Founder Edgar Amos Love said, whom he met as a child at the 55th St. Louis Grand Conclave (1973), “a friend who sees through you but will also see you through.”
A Tribute to Our Line Brother
by Uncle Benny’s 14 Nephos of Havoc and Hell Spring 1984, Alpha Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Born of Charleston’s sun and sea, To roots of strength and legacy, A scholar’s mind, a spirit free — Dewey, you walked in dignity.
From quiet streets to Howard’s halls, You answered higher learning’s call, You pledged your heart to brotherhood, And served your people as you should.
In bonds of Omega, fierce and true, You built a life on love and through Each hand you held, each soul you saved, You proved how truth and service paved.
A mentor, friend, a steady guide, A beacon none could dim or hide, In every life you touched and taught, Your spirit, strength, and wisdom caught.
When April’s winds at last grew still, The world had lost a mighty will, Yet in our hearts you blaze and shine — A legacy of love, divine.
O Dewey, giant, gentle, kind, You leave no lesser soul behind — Your life, your love, your steadfast way Will light our steps through every day.
Perspective: My Sands
by Kenneth Page, 1-84-A
George Dewey was exactly the type of friend and brother who makes this journey special, even with all the pain we endure. He is and always will be our glue for our circle Omega — the Nephos of 1984. He connected us “through days of joy and years of pain.”
In our most difficult spaces, he was always an Oasis: Many of us slept in his dorm and later
house as we navigated financial challenges. He was among the first to call, not only to celebrate life’s successes but also to lend his heart and ear during our lowest moments.
Dewey remembered everyone’s date of birth and had every contact, email, and phone number of anyone who seemingly ever attended Howard or became a member of Omega and the Divine 9. His Soul understood that friendship went beyond the confines of narrow organizational connections with dear friends from all experiences and backgrounds.
For me, Dewey was an amazing friend and brother for certain, but more precious was our connection and shared commitments as comrades to build a fairer and more just world for the children of African descent, no matter where on the globe they made their home. From We Feed Our People, the anti-apartheid fight, to the broader struggle for African American self-love and full emancipation, he was with me, a fellow traveler. For that, I will always be thankful.
Perspective: Mentorship & Friendship
by Charles Hicks, 13-93-A
Dewey and I began our journey together in the spring of 1991. At the time, I was a sophomore at Howard University, pursuing Omega alongside my friend Tushon Robinson, who would later become my number 9. I remember it vividly—We Feed Our People was where Dewey and I first met. That event brought together so many legendary brothers: Walt McGill, Eric Jackson, Marlon Charles, Leon...and of course, many great Omega men.
Dewey was the true embodiment of friendship. He taught me something that’s stayed with me all my life—that it’s not always about what you know, but who you know. And Dewey? Dewey knew everyone. And I mean everyone.
For me, Washington, D.C. was a complete culture shock. I came straight from Indianapolis, Indiana, with the relaxer in my hair to
prove it. Dewey took one look at me and said, “Man, take that out of your hair, and don’t ever let me see you with that again. You’re an African brother—you don’t need that.” That was Dewey. Honest, bold, and deeply rooted in who he was.
And from that moment, he believed in me—before I even believed in myself.
I graduated from Howard in 2000 and went back home to Indiana. And I’ll be honest with you—I struggled. But through God’s grace, I made it back to D.C. I got a temporary job working for Mark Hall, thanks to Dewey putting in a word. That one favor turned into something bigger. Dewey opened his home to me. That generosity allowed me to pay off my student loans and get back on my feet.
Living with Dewey took our friendship to a whole new level. We shared meals, laughter, and stories. We took trips to Charleston, South Carolina—his home turf—where he introduced me to his tight-knit crew: Sipio, Geechee, Charles Cruz, and Toby. I even had the honor of spending time with his parents, and I’m proud to say that his father met me as a Bruh.
Dewey—thank you. Thank you for thirty years of true, unwavering friendship. Thank you for showing me what it means to always show up, especially for Howard Homecoming. Now I understand why you were at every single one. Because life isn’t promised. And you knew that.
Thank you for believing in me. For pouring into me. For helping me become the man I am today.
I will hold your memory dear, my brother, from now until eternity.
Rest Well. I Love You Forever!
Perspective: Classmate & Friend
by Herb Anthony, 6-88-KM
Friendship is Essential to the Soul, and through the death of a friend, our Souls are irrevocably wounded. Dewey exemplified friendship in everything that he did. He was always looking to make new friends and was protective of his friends. His friends from childhood, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., and Howard University were all lifelong. This is indicative through the outpouring of love expressed throughout the United States in his passing. His rolodex of friends’ phone numbers was like no other. Many people would contact him to connect with other people.
G. Dewey also took pride in being a Godfather. He viewed his God Children as his own children and was actively involved in monitoring their development. His keen memory allowed him to trace their development from infants to adults, and his love for them was exemplified by his commitment to participating in their lives.
His love for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and Alpha Chapter was like no other. It was an integral part of his life. He mentored numerous young men in the chapter and helped guide and influence the chapter's growth. He will be missed, but the vast memories he created will live forever within everyone who knew him.
Perspective: Uncle Dewey, My Godfather
by Adia Louise Jackson, daughter of Geoffrey Jackson, 2-84-A
My quiet strength.
Although our paths did not always cross, your loving warmth followed me everywhere I went, always and forever in my corner. You had this special way of knowing everything about anything. But your truth shone the brightest. Teaching me wisdom doesn’t shout—it speaks with calm assurance. Just like you always did.
You were that one-of-a-kind person who made space for others to grow, watering us with your words and shining on us with your love. And when I succeeded, I knew I could count on you to cheer louder than anyone else. To live it up like it was your own win.
Because that’s just the man you are. Interlinked we have always been—like free kindred spirits, devoted to holding our family and friends close and treating anyone else like they were apart, even if we just shook their hand. I always admired how you moved through life with a grounded joy. Never asking for the spotlight, yet you were always the reason others could shine.
You are the best role model I could have asked for, you and my father shared it all—a brotherhood, a bond, and a love for purple and gold that ran so deep it took me almost 20 years to fully grasp it.
Now that you’ve moved on, to guide us all from above, I know that every time I look up at my evening star, it’s you shining down on me, like you always have. Quiet and twinkling. Shining brightly to guide me through the darkest nights.
Thank you for being my guide. Thank you for being my light. And most of all… Thank you for being my uncle. I love you dearly, Godfather. I will always carry your light.
