Belvie “Juan” Dyrel French

Our beloved dad Belvie Dyrel Juan French went to be with the Lord on September 22, 2020.
Dyrel was born in Afton Texas on October 6, 1932 to Bert and Velma French. He was the eighth of nine children and spent his younger years in and around Dickens County where he picked cotton and attended school through the eighth grade. After losing both parents early on, Dyrel went to live with his grown sister and her husband for a while. He acquired a love for automobiles and later became a well-known and respected mechanic in the Aztec, New Mexico area, in Prescott and Scottsdale, Arizona and finally in Granbury, Texas where he operated two “Full Service” gas stations including French Motors on Pearl Street. He had the first business that rented out U-Haul trailers in Granbury.
While working in the oilfields in Farmington, New Mexico, Dyrel met and married Betty June Kennedy in November of 1951. He continued his career as an auto mechanic for many years until he began selling lake lots after Lake Granbury was established.
Dyrel enjoyed listening to “Old Time” country music like George Jones, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, and Loretta Lynn. In his later years he restored record players and eight tracks etc. to sell to collectors. He also loved playing “42” and was known for making “his hand” when it seemed impossible.
Dyrel is survived by his six children, Rivert French, Ricky French and wife Annette, Shelldon French, Sherry French, all of Granbury Texas, Rocky (Vance) French of Lyons, Colorado, and Sharla French Meyer of Milliken, Colorado.
Also survived by six grandchildren; Darren French, Derrek French, Maraya French, Avery Meyer, Landon Groat, and Keegan French Cornwall; eight great-grandkids and many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to all of the Doctors, Nurses, and Aides that gave Belvie Dyrel such wonderful care throughout the years.
Funeral services will be Friday, October 2nd at 11:00 am at Mambrino Baptist Church. There will also be a graveside service at the Afton TX Cemetery on Saturday, October 3rd at 1:00 pm.