Dials creates scholarship to honor late grandfather

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Elmer Dials Sr. did not have a higher education but could do anything, says his grandson Blake Dials. The latter created a scholarship at Martin County High School to honor the memory of his late grandfather.

The Elmer Dials Sr. Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior who plans to attend trade school.

“I wanted to start the Elmer Dials Sr Memorial Scholarship to keep my papaw’s name around, as a way to honor an incredibly smart, selfless and kind-hearted man and give back to the community we both called home,” Dials said.

Dials’ grandfather passed away in October 2021. He was born on Wolf Creek, one of 15 children, and learned to work hard on the farm growing up. He graduated from Warfield High School, married his sweetheart Joyce Pinson, and was drafted into the U.S. Army. After military service, he returned to Martin County, where he raised two children together with his wife and worked as a coal miner until retirement.

“My papaw never had the opportunity to go to any formal trade school or university but taught himself a wide range of skills from electrical, plumbing and carpentry to various skills around an automobile,” said Dials. “I hope the scholarship helps give a member of Martin County an opportunity to learn some of the skills my Papaw Dials had.”

Students who wish to apply for the scholarship can do so online at martin.kyschools.us/1/Content2/212.