Author: ARMANDO VILLAFRANCA, Staff
More than 1,200 friends and family members gathered Monday to remember Kevin Dial , 36, son of football legend Buddy Dial and one of 12 people slain by a day trader in Atlanta.
"Kevin was my closest friend, and I loved him more than anything in the world," said Sherri Dial, who remembered her older brother as a role model who was generous and possessed a quick wit.
"Please share your thoughts of Kevin with us, don't forget us."
Dial, an office manager for Houston-based Momentum Securities, was one of nine people shot to death Thursday at two stock-trading firms by Mark Orrin Barton, 44, who killed himself as police cornered him.
Barton's wife and two children were later found beaten to death with a hammer in their suburban Atlanta apartment.
Barton, a former chemist, had lost $105,000 last month in day trading but left no explanation for his killing spree.
"What happened that morning in Atlanta was not God's will," said Dr. Richard O'Brien, director of prayer ministry at Second Baptist Church, site of the service.
"It was not punishment for wrongs done, nor was it an act of an angry God. It was the evil heart of one man, no matter what the provocation.
"It is not our place nor our purpose here today to dissect this horrible event, nor to pass our judgment."
A graduate of the University of Texas, Dial had moved from Tyler to Atlanta about a year ago to open a new branch of Momentum. He had longed to return to Houston and was scheduled to return this year.
Sherri Dial said she remembered how her brother put people at ease with his sense of humor.
"I'm pretty sure you're with Elvis, having cocktails, trying to convince God to let (John) Belushi visit," she said. "I'm sure you can."
In a prepared statement, the family stated, "As a family we are devastated by the loss of our son and brother to this tragedy. Kevin was a unique individual adored by his friends and family, appreciated for his contagious humor and sheer joy of life.
"He had that special ability to lift all those around him to provide humor when it was needed. He made everyone he came in contact with feel special and appreciated."
About 19 months ago, Dial was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and was under medication to prevent seizures.
Burial was in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
Author: ARMANDO VILLAFRANCA, Staff
More than 1,200 friends and family members gathered Monday to remember Kevin Dial , 36, son of football legend Buddy Dial and one of 12 people slain by a day trader in Atlanta.
"Kevin was my closest friend, and I loved him more than anything in the world," said Sherri Dial, who remembered her older brother as a role model who was generous and possessed a quick wit.
"Please share your thoughts of Kevin with us, don't forget us."
Dial, an office manager for Houston-based Momentum Securities, was one of nine people shot to death Thursday at two stock-trading firms by Mark Orrin Barton, 44, who killed himself as police cornered him.
Barton's wife and two children were later found beaten to death with a hammer in their suburban Atlanta apartment.
Barton, a former chemist, had lost $105,000 last month in day trading but left no explanation for his killing spree.
"What happened that morning in Atlanta was not God's will," said Dr. Richard O'Brien, director of prayer ministry at Second Baptist Church, site of the service.
"It was not punishment for wrongs done, nor was it an act of an angry God. It was the evil heart of one man, no matter what the provocation.
"It is not our place nor our purpose here today to dissect this horrible event, nor to pass our judgment."
A graduate of the University of Texas, Dial had moved from Tyler to Atlanta about a year ago to open a new branch of Momentum. He had longed to return to Houston and was scheduled to return this year.
Sherri Dial said she remembered how her brother put people at ease with his sense of humor.
"I'm pretty sure you're with Elvis, having cocktails, trying to convince God to let (John) Belushi visit," she said. "I'm sure you can."
In a prepared statement, the family stated, "As a family we are devastated by the loss of our son and brother to this tragedy. Kevin was a unique individual adored by his friends and family, appreciated for his contagious humor and sheer joy of life.
"He had that special ability to lift all those around him to provide humor when it was needed. He made everyone he came in contact with feel special and appreciated."
About 19 months ago, Dial was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and was under medication to prevent seizures.
Burial was in Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.
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