Vincent Dial Day: Johnson City honors civic leader with Carver Park concert

The lasting impact of Rev. Vincent Dial will be celebrated Saturday as the Johnson City community gathers at Carver Park to honor the longtime educator, pastor and civic leader. Vincent Dial Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Carver Park, featuring live music, free food, school supplies, haircuts, hygiene items and community resources, along with family-friendly activities. In recognition of Dial's lifelong passion for music, the event will also feature performances by August Cur, Bad Cats Brass Band and The Soulamanders. Dial, who died in 2022, spent 32 years serving students in Johnson City Schools before retiring in 2007. Throughout his career, he taught band at Constitution Hall, Liberty Bell Middle School and Science Hill High School, later serving as vice principal at Science Hill and principal at North Side Elementary School. After retiring from the district, he joined the staff at Providence Christian Academy. Beyond education, Dial was active in civic, educational and faith-based organizations across the region. He served as president of the Johnson City Education Association and worked with committees of the Tennessee Education Association and National Education Association. He also served as chaplain for Science Hill High School's football team and later for East Tennessee State University's football program. His community involvement also included service with East Tennessee State University's Institutional Review Board, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Bethel District Baptist Missionary Educational Association, the Washington County-Johnson City NAACP, the Ministerial Alliance of Johnson City and the Jonesborough Area Ministerial Association. Dial began his ministry at Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City, where he served as a deacon, choir and music leader, Bible teacher for adults and youth, and helped establish a summer Bible study program for local children. He became the church's associate pastor and director of Christian education and later served as interim pastor of Central Baptist Church in Kingsport and senior pastor of Bethel Christian Church. Organizers encourage residents to attend and take advantage of the free services available. More information is available by calling Johnson City Parks and Recreation at (423) 283-5815.