Dwight Emery Oglesby, known to family and friends as “Yogi” and “Papa,” passed away on July 29, 2026, in Payson, Arizona, at the age of 81.
Born in Talladega, Alabama, on November 18, 1944, Dwight was raised in Munford by his parents, George and Bessie Oglesby. He attended Munford High School, where he played football and drove the local school bus while still a teenager. After graduating, he joined the United States Air Force and served honorably from 1963 to 1967 as an avionics technician. While stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, he met the love of his life, Sandy, with whom he would share 59 years of marriage.
Following his military service, Dwight and Sandy built a life together that took them through Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, New Mexico and, eventually, back to Arizona, where they settled in Phoenix in 1977. Their family grew to include four daughters: Christine, Suzanne, Nena and Joy. Dwight spent 30 years with Honeywell’s computer division and its successor, Honeywell Bull, serving in leadership roles during an era of remarkable technological change.
Faith and music were important parts of Dwight’s life. He served for many years as a deacon and usher in the Church of Christ. His family fondly remembers his deep bass voice rising above the congregation.
Dwight loved his family, the outdoors, and the life he and Sandy eventually made in the Arizona high country. He was also a devoted Auburn football fan and was rarely seen without one of his beloved Auburn shirts.
Even during his long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, Dwight remained kind, warm and gracious to others. He will be remembered for his generosity, his devotion to family and the steadfast love he gave so freely.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents, George and Bessie Oglesby; his brothers, Ronnie and Mike; and his nephew, Brad. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; his daughters, Christine, Suzanne, Nena and Joy; his grandchildren, Daisha, Rasa, Catherine and Grace; his brother, Travis; his sister, Gwen; and numerous extended family members and friends.
Dwight chose to donate his body to Research for Life, making a final gift to benefit others through medical research and education.
A celebration of Dwight’s life will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Munford Church of Christ in Munford, Alabama. Fellowship with family and friends will follow the service. His cremated remains will be interred at Pine Hill Memorial Park in Talladega, where his parents are buried.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Munford Volunteer Fire Department or to a local fire department or veterans organization of your choice.
