Funeral services for Pam Durrence Dasher, prominent Vidalia Onion grower and key figure in G&R Farms in Glennville, GA, were held Friday, July 28, at Glennville First Baptist Church.
Mrs. Dasher passed on July 24 at the age of 79.
The third-generation Vidalia grower/shipper operation announced Mrs. Dasher’s passing on July 27, describing her as a pioneer in the industry. G&R Farms noted that at the time of her death, Mrs. Dasher was co-owner of the company with her brother-in-law Robert Dasher, a role she had held since 2003.
A native of Tattnall County, GA, Mrs. Dasher joined the business in 1962 when she married her high school sweetheart, Gerald W. Dasher.
“Following her husband’s untimely death, Pam assumed co-ownership and management of the company alongside her brother-in-law Robert and continued in that capacity until her passing,” the company said in its announcement.
“Throughout the years, Pam worked side-by-side with her husband Gerald and his brother Robert as they grew the farm and helped build what we know today as a leading, year-round global sweet onion empire. Pam served as office manager of G&R for many years, but it wasn’t uncommon to find her grading onions or doing any other job that was needed as their farming operation grew,” the announcement continued.
It also said, “G&R employees fondly shared memories of Pam including her attention to detail, pride in a job well done and the balance of work and family without exception. She was filled with the truest of Southern grit and charm, exuding confidence and a gentle spirit which always lent a calming presence in a fast paced produce world.
“In addition to cultivating their farm, Pam and Gerald also sought to cultivate a brand — not just that of G&R, but of the Vidalia Sweet Onion itself. The Dashers were the first growers to market Sweet Onions directly to supermarkets, thus cementing the popularity and success of the crop and their own company. They also traveled together, sharing the benefits of this unique sweet onion and helped to secure the passage of the Vidalia Onion Act by the Georgia General Assembly.”
Blake Dasher, CEO of G&R Farms said, “From the earliest of years, Pam was the backbone of the office, providing the structured support Gerald and Robert needed so they could focus on sales and production.”
Dasher added, “It was her unwavering support and quiet confidence that helped build the foundation that we continue to grow from today, and there’s no doubt she was a tiny giant among men.”
Mrs. Dasher was preceded in death by her parents and husband as well as other family members. She is survived by her children, the Honorable Paige Dasher Mulligan and husband Mike; and Gerald Walter “Walt” Dasher II and wife Anita; and many beloved grandchildren and family.
OnionBusiness extends its sincere condolences to Mrs. Dasher’s family.
Memorials in Pam Dasher’s name may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice at PO Box 531, Statesboro, Georgia 30459.
