James Reginald (Reg) Dietz
November 15, 1929 ~ May 29, 2020
James Reginald (‘Reg’) Dietz, 90, of Weirton, WV, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2020.
Reg was born in Hico, WV on November 15, 1929 and graduated from Nuttall High School in 1947.
Reg was an alumnus of West Virginia University where he earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering. He retired from National Steel after 30 years as Vice President of Research and Development.
He was a past president of the WVU Alumni Association, chairman of the WVU Board of Advisors, and a member of the board of directors of the WVU Foundation, Inc. Reg was inducted into the WVU Order of Vandalia in 1987. He was also past president of the Fort Steuben Area Council Boy Scouts of America, involved with Junior Achievement and the Weirton Christian Center.
Reg was active in his church, Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church, presiding as the Sunday School teacher of the Pares & Spares Class. He also enjoyed watching WVU sports and gardening.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Billie Jewell Kast; his children, Allan (Marsha), Barbara (Matt) Jennelle, and John (Allison); grandchildren, Justin, Josh, and Ella; his brother John Dietz; and nieces, Laura Richard (Francis) and Rebecca. He was proceeded in death by his parents, James Ruckman and Balmy Jane Dietz.
At the family’s request a private service and burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Weirton Christian Center or the Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church .
share tributes at www.grecohertnick.com
Reg was an excellent teacher. He was very humble and gracious. He was excellent in teaching God’s word. He would always have a quick summary on what the prior lesson was about, provided the timeline and geography of where the lesson was taking place. He asked question to get more input and provided a deeper explanation. I enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor. May God give Billie & his entire family strength and comfort through this very difficult time. In Christian love, Rhonda Bruich
Mom lived next door and I have many fond memories of both Reg and Billie and the stories that mom told of their family. Our condolence to Billie and the family. John and Shirley Bray (Wilma Mentzer’s son)
Dear Billie and family, I want to send my deepest condolences to you at this very difficult time. Reggie was not only a loyal Mountaineer but a true gentlemen and dear friend. He helped mentor me a great deal when I became the chair of chemical engineering in 1988. He was the first person to visit me. I remember him coming through my door and spending time to update me about the ChE Academy. He was very helpful to me in those early years of administration, and he continued on while I was dean. As you know, he was a proud charter member of the Academy and took that membership seriously to help the department and college be successful. His Academy picture will remain in the ChE hallway. I am blessed to have known him and will remember him and you always. He will be missed for sure! You are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Sincerely, Gene
Regi was a superb, gifted and well rounded person. He had a magnificent balance of his multiple endeavors. Regi knew how to encourage, mentor, challenge and help bring out the best. He was a great at research as well as administration. I certainly enjoyed working with him at Weirton Steel/National Steel and talking with him after his retirement. He worked with rigor and discipline – and yet – He enjoyed Mountaineer sports. He had that fantastic smile wherever he went. He certainly was a legend in my mind. He had the type of All Star qualities that the elite personalities have. I only wish I could have spent more time with him. My condolences to the family.
The first time I met Reggie was as my Sunday School teacher of the Pairs and Spares Class. He was so brilliant with unending knowledge of the bible. His outgoing personality was impressive. Sadly missed but will see him again in heaven.
My mother and I are so deeply sorry about Reg’s death. He was always so sweet and kind. We are praying for you. Sue and Irene Tucker