Arthur Lee Dasher IV

Arthur Lee Dasher IV passed away on May 28, 2021. He was 83 years old. Arthur was born in Macon, GA on November 14, 1937 to Mr. Arthur & Doris (Reynolds) Dasher. He graduated from Sidney Lanier Senior High School for Boys, Stetson University, 1955 (BA), Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University, 1962 (STB), and Rollins College, 1984 (MAT, Masters of Arts in Teaching). Ordained in 1962 at St. Michael Episcopal Church in Orlando, he was the assistant to Fr. Vernon Quigley, his mentor. While there, he developed his ministry as a spiritual guide/counselor and teacher. He inherited his love of teaching from his mother, a teacher in Macon, GA and St. Petersburg, FL for 50 years. His first love as an Episcopal priest was experiencing the joy of people finding their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He loved the liturgy of the Church, especially when celebrating the Mass. Another joyous aspect of his 50 years as a priest was seeing what inspired lay can accomplish when God gave them a significant challenge. When rector of the churches in Belle Glade and Pahokee, FL, the drug culture was moving in from the coast. The Church of St. John the Apostle rented a dilapidated restaurant, fixed it up and created a place for children and teenagers to go after school and in the evening, complete with game tables, organized sports, guided study hall, and a snack bar. A couple of Young Life workers were hired to supervise the program and provide Christian ministry. It was appropriately named "His Place". As rector of The Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden, he saw the need for a ministry of clothing, baby food, and supplies for pregnant mothers. Parishioners picked up the challenge and rented the abandoned train station. Fr. Dasher procured the support of Dr. Earl Scarberry, Director of The Christian Service Center in Orlando, who allowed the group to use its charitable organization status 501(C)(3). Here began what is now the West Orange Branch of the Center. Later, as rector of St. Mary of the Angels Church in Belle Isle, FL, the congregation rose to his challenge to adopt a refugee family from Sudan in Africa. Housing, food, clothing, and employment were provided by the congregation and the family became functioning members of the church. At the same time a Latino ministry (Santa Maria de Los ?ngeles) and a Haitian ministry (Sainte Marie des Anges) were begun, each with its own priest. During a hiatus from parish ministry Fr. Dasher was the Director of Development for the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, director of church and community relations in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando for Campus Crusade for Christ, and Executive director of the Christian Service Center of Orlando. After he retired as an Episcopal priest, Arthur converted to Catholicism. He led Bible studies at St. James Catholic Church for several years. He also volunteered as a facilitator for "That Man is You" at St. James. He is survived by his wife, Frances Demetree-Dasher, daughters Victoria Amos (Richard) of Mooresville, NC and Jennifer Reynolds Dasher of Swannanoa NC; grandchildren Katie Savannah McBroom (Tony) of Kansas City, MO, and Parker Amos of Mooresville, NC; stepchildren, Amy Climer (Julie) of Asheville, NC, Karen Climer of Orlando, and Gregory Climer of San Francisco, CA; and sisters Donna Priest of Columbus, GA and Ruth Dasher Grimes (William) of Lawrenceville, GA. Arthur and Frances enjoyed experiencing the many cultures in their travels, especially those in China, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. Arthur enjoyed flowers and vegetable gardening and was known to give away loads of mint and collard greens. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan (some would say fanatic). The highlight of his sports world was seeing the DAWGS beat the Gators in 1980 and then going on to beat Notre Dame for the national championship. He was known to end most conversations with “Go DAWGS”. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 8 at 2pm at St James Catholic Cathedral followed by a reception at the Orlando Country Club. A family private inurnment will be held the next day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you consider a memorial contribution to the Russell Home for Atypical Children in Orlando, a ministry dearly loved and supported by Arthur. The family of Arthur Dasher invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his memory. Rosary Service 7:00 pm, Monday, June 7, 2021 DeGusipe Funeral Home, 9001 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland, FL 32751 Funeral Service 2:00 pm, Tuesday, June 8, 2021 St. James Cathedral in Orlando, FL Reception following the funeral at Orlando County Club, 1601 Country Club Dr, Orlando, FL 32804 3:30 pm, Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Arthur Lee Dasher IV

November 14, 1937 - May 28, 2021