Dr. Samuel Dexter Squibb
June 20, 1931 ~ June 17, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Dr. Samuel Dexter Squibb, 85, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 17, 2017, having battled a long series of medical difficulties.
Dr. Dexter Squibb was Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina Asheville. He chaired the Chemistry Department for 30 years (1964-1994) and led in its development. During his distinguished academic career, he also advanced the Chemistry departments at Western Carolina University and Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida. He served as Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Clemson University. He authored and published over ten introductory chemistry books.
Dexter is survived by his wife Jo Ann Kyker Squibb; two children, Sandra Lavanne Lane and Dr. Kevin Dexter Squibb; and one grandson, Steven Lee Hollingsworth.
Public viewing will be on Monday, June 19, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home, 856 Tunnel Rd., Asheville. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd., Asheville, with the Rev. W. Gerald Davis officiating. A reception will follow the service in Asbury Lobby at 3:00 p.m.
Burial will be at Salem Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 147 Washington College Rd., Limestone, TN, at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the S. Dexter Squibb Distinguished Lecture Series, c/o University Advancement, CPO#3800, 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Rd. is in charge of the arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
May he rest in peace. God bless Jo Ann and family.
We are so very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him dearly. We always had a great time when we came down to visit or they came up to see us. We are very thankful for the precious memories we have of him and the time we spent together. Our prayers and thoughts are with JoAnn, Lavanne, Kevin and their families.
Sorry very, very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of your family.
HE WAS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING PERSONS WE HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF TALKING TO AND CALLING WESTERN SQUARE DANCING TO! WE WISH PEACE FOR THE FAMILY. HOYLE AND JODY
We were saddened to hear about Dexter’s passing. We enjoyed square dancing with him and Jo Ann for many years. He will surely be missed in the square dance community.
I attended UNCA from 1965>1968 and had several classes in the Science wing at the University. I remember Dr. Squibb well. He left his mark at UNCA and will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Gerry Huntley, Class of 1968, UNCA.
We are so sorry to lose a long time friend and square dancer. You fought a strong battle … now rest. We love you.
We came to know Dexter through square dancing several years ago. We have come to be very close friends with him and JoAnn. We will always remember the wonderful times we had together in Asheville and in Florida dancing, playing dominoes and many really great times sampling most of the restaurants in Asheville area and Daytona Beach area. We will miss him.
I met Dexter a few times, he was always nice to me. His daughter, Lavanne, is my best friend. His suffering is now over, but he will be missed, My thoughts go out to his sweet wife, Lavanne, and his extended family.
So sorry to hear this news. Dr. Squibb was a brilliant professor and someone who truly cared about his students. He was instrumental in helping to develop me as a young person, and I am forever grateful for his time and attention in my life. God bless you Dr. Squibb.
Lamar and I met Dexter and Joannn in 1962 when he was Lamar’s chemistry professor at Asheville/Biltmore Tech (Now UNCA). We soon became close friends and spent many an hour visiting and playing bridge. Had a wonderful trip to Hawaii in 2000. My love and condolences to Joann, Kevin and Lavanne. You will be in my prayers.
Loved Dexter so much. Going to miss him but he is not suffering anymore. Now he can play cards with my mom and dad like they used to. Sorry for those left to grieve.
Dexter was my favorite corner in Advanced Square Dancing. He was the expert. He taught my son, Chris, at UNCA. His talents touched many people in a special way.
Jo Ann, Lavanne, Kevin, and Steven, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Chris and Ann Mathis
Dexter and JoAnn were good square dancing friends, also great traveling
friends.. We enjoyed many good times with them eating out and playing
dominos. He will be missed. our love and prayers go to Jo Ann and family.
Dexter you were a very special friend to all who were acquainted with you. You were a genius in the chemistry world and added so much to that field. We loved square dancing with you and having fellowship with you. You are now in a new heavenly body free of all diseases and pain. May God comfort Jo Ann and all her family as only He can. We loved you Dexter.
David and I (and our two adult children) met Dexter through our good friend – (and his daughter) Lavanne.
We enjoyed playing dominos (he taught us) and listening to music with him and JoAnn.
We ALL loved listening to him tell his stories – such an INTERESTING man! He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to JoAnn, Lavanne and all of Dexter’s extended family. May God give you peace at this time.
We are so sorry to hear of Dexter’s passing. We enjoyed many evenings square dancing with him and Jo Ann. He was a great corner. He will be missed by the square dance community. He always had stories to tell. We keep all of you in our prayers.
I got to know Dexter over the last few months. He was a very accomplished and an interesting person. I was there to assist him and Jo Ann but he called me and treated me as a friend, part of the family and I was very honored. He had lived a full life and age had just caught up with him. Some days were more challenging for him than others. I am happy for him knowing he is in a very peaceful place and not suffering any more. I wish him the very best in this new chapter in life. He will be missed. I pray for the grieving family to have strength to get through this difficult period specially Jo Ann who is now surrounded by a very loving and supportive family.
Dad , I miss you so bad already . You suffered and was strong even though. I love you dearly and always will. Your daughter Lavanne
RIP good Friend. Hope you get a great Domino partner in heaven. I know how many great games we had with you & Jo Ann in both Florida and Asheville. Amazing what fate has in store for us just as it took both are rooms in Florida & made us friends over a decade ago. We will miss you greatly and think of you often. Again RIP.
I met Dexter only last year when he required little more help. He was a very nice and patient man evenso he had to deal with challenging health problems. He treated me always with kindness. I’m sorry that he has passed but is now in a much better and painless place. My thoughts go out to his wife JoAnn and the family who mourn the loss of a husband and father. RIP Dexter.
We have very fond memories of Dexter who was a Square Dance Friend…..our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jo Ann, and the entire family…He was a truly wonderful man and will certainly be missed by all……Bill Restall and Anna Campbell.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Enjoyed watching films of the vacations they had taken
A very intelligent man and a kind man. Hw will be missed.
Dexter and JoAnn taught me how to play dominos. I loved playing the game against him and when my team won (which wasn’t often), I loved giving him grief. Had some great times at their home in Asheville, as well as in Cape Girardeau. You will be missed ol’ friend. My condolences to JoAnn, Lavanne and our close friend, Kevin!
I can fondly recall going into Dr. Squibb’s office in the Tower after only 2 weeks at UNC-A and signing up to be a Chemistry major. The next 4 years at UNC-A were a great time indeed. Between being a Lab Assistant for Dr. Squibb and many chats in his office, he will be sorely missed. He was easy to remain friends with over the years exchanging Christmas cards, phone calls & e-mails.
My condolences to JoAnn and the entire Squibb family.
UNC-A Chemistry Class of ’89
JoAnn,
We were saddened to hear about Dexter. We loved square dancing with both of you! Dexter was such a kind, wonderful person. I know he will be missed for his quick wit and gracious manners.
JoAnn…I am sorry to learn of Dexter’s death. Charles cherished his friendship with the both of you. Please know I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. No doubt they are playing bridge in heaven.
I just learned of the passing of Dr. Squibb by reading it in the ETSU Alumni journal. I did not know he attended ETSU and had roots in Tennessee. I am from Black Mtn and went to UNCA my first year of college before transferring to ETSU. Dr. Squibb was my Chemistry teacher my first semester at UNCA. I remember him being a very kind and intelligent man.
My condolences to his family.