Walter Joe Dean Sr.

Walter Joe Dean Sr., known affectionately as Joe to his friends and family, passed

away peacefully on March 14, 2024, at his home in Otway. Born in Durham, NC,

on January 4, 1963, Joe's journey through life was marked by his unwavering

dedication to his loved ones, his country, and his craft.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at North

River Methodist Church of Beaufort. Burial will follow at the church cemetery

with Masonic Rites and Military Honors. The service will be live streamed to Joe’s

obituary page at noefs.net.

Joe is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Collins Dean; mother, Margie

Shutt Dean; father, Lonnie N. Dean Sr. and two brothers, Lonnie N. Dean Jr. and

Garry Wayne Dean; grandson, Logan Stephenson; and sister-in-law, Kerry C.

Floyd.

He is survived by his son, Walter Joe Dean Jr. “Jake”, and his daughter, Amanda

Lynn Lamberson; two grandchildren, Tyler Stephenson and Khloe Lamberson all

of Otway.

Joe said his last goodbye to his surviving siblings: Valinda D. Brock of Pittsboro;

Lawrence Dow Dean and wife, Winn of Otway; Brenda D. Riddle and her husband

Mike of Graham; Regina D. Bridgman and husband, Jim of Pittsboro; Sandra Lee

D. Calhoun of Washington. Surviving also are his sister-in-law, Libby C. Inabnit

and husband, Davis of Conway, SC and brother-in-law, Furman Floyd and wife,

Wanda.

Uncle Joe will also be dearly missed by his 15 nieces and nephews and 25 great

nieces and nephews.

Joe started his boyhood growing up in Orange County, NC. His family moved to

Otway in his youth. Being reared mostly Down East, his passion for the sea began

with his dad teaching him the ways of the water on Harkers Island, building boats

and skiffs, fishing, clamming, shrimping, and many other cherished traditions of a

coastal fishing community. He carried these values into adulthood, serving proudly

as a Navy Petty Officer Third Class on the USS Guadalcanal LPH-7, an Iwo Jima

class amphibious assault ship. With utmost respect, he served as Staff for Rear

Admiral Clint Taylor as an Operation Specialist. His deployments on the

Guadalcanal took him and hundreds of shipmates around the globe, including the

Beirut Conflict, protecting our homeland. Conversations with Joe left us with a

humble appreciation for our country’s service women and men.

Upon honorable discharge with numerous awards and medals, Joe remained in the

US Naval Reserve. He pursued a 30 year career with dredging companies on the

US coastline and waterways, culminating with his last decades as a Chief Engineer

for Norfolk Dredging. He always expressed pride in the work he loved and

sincerely treasured his relationships with co-workers, leaders and fellow mariners.

Around Carteret County, when he was home from the sea, Joe did more than fish a

little. He was dedicated to meeting the needs of the less fortunate. Thus, he

followed in his father’s footsteps and continued meaningful work as a Mason in

Franklin Lodge #109 Beaufort, NC.

Joe leaves behind an honorable legacy for his young family to embrace. His

lifelong commitment to integrity and his irrepressible sense of humor will live on

within those who loved him. “We’ll see you on the other side Joe”

Donations and memorials in his memory may be sent to Hunter Seven (for

Veteran’s Affairs), 306 Thayer St #2694, Providence, RI 02906 or the Carteret

County Animal Shelter, 853 Hibbs Rd, Newport, NC 28570.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.