Walter Wilson Dew Jr.
November 10, 1949 ~ July 9, 2023
TARBORO – Walter W. Dew, Jr, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family and close friends on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on November 10, 1949, he was the son of the late Walter Wilson Dew, Sr., and Vera Edmondson Dew. He was also proceeded in death by his granddaughter, Riley Wilson Ellis.
Walter was an active member and deacon of Acorn Hill Baptist Church where he attended many years. Walter was the life of the party and always ready to do something for anyone who needed him. He loved farming, which he did all of his life, shooting pool, playing golf and loved riding around with his sidekick and grand-dog, Coalman. He and Coalman were often found in the McDonald’s drive-thru where Coalman always had a cheeseburger and fries…Walter was just working on teaching him to drink from a straw. Walter loved fishing and had a love for Manns Harbor. He loved hosting a pig pickin, but, above all, his most cherished memories will be those spent with his family and many friends.
Walter is survived by his wife of 30 years, Remona Dew; his daughters, Jamie Dew, Stephanie Bridgers (Robert), and Christy Naccarato (Chris); his sons, Mark Wilson Dew (Sundae) and Ken Ruffin (Carol); his grandchildren, Madelyn Ellis, Ashton Ellis, Kelsey Gilbert (BJ), Callie Jones (Alex), Katelyn Cramp (Trevor), Mollie Morgan Ruffin, Matt Naccarato, Cody Naccarato, and Alex Naccarato; his great-grandchildren, Bryant Gilbert, Bryleigh Gilbert, Caroline Jones, William Jones and Ryver Naccaratto; his sisters, Carolyn Dew and Doris Dew; and his brother, Mike Dew.
A Celebration of Walter’s Life will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM Acorn Hill Baptist Church in Tarboro, NC with Pastor Sonny Simpson officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
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Dearest Walter, I hope you know how much you were loved and will be missed. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Heaven truly got one of the good ones. Rest now and be at peace.
Deepest Sympathies
In the gentle laughter and courageous spirit of Walter, we find solace. His heart was an adventurer’s compass – brave yet gracious, never failing to lend a helping hand even amidst adversity. As we remember Walter, let us rejoice his faith in God and love for farming, just like our father. To his memory we dedicate this poem with joyous hearts, grateful for every story and all shared moments that attest to his vibrant life lived in truth. Keep advancing along your heavenly path, dear brother Wilson Dew Jr., as you did on Earth.
Jamie and family: Sending thoughts and prayers to you all! With Love and sympathy, Judy, Kailey and Jarrett Aycock. Hunter and Jada Bass
Jennifer joyner and Nancy Holmes loved you Walter. You were a sweet and caring man. We are going to miss you but most of all you are going to be with our lord Jesus christ. You were fun to be around you and ms remona. Love you always. 😍
My dad and Shorty were the closest friends. I remember when they partnered in the Smokestack Lounge in Tarboro. I have so many fond memories of Walter from growing up with him around.
He had a heart of gold. He never refused to help anyone and always smiled and laughed when he was helping.
The world lost a good man but heaven gained him.
Sending love & Prayers for Remona and the family. Walter was such a kind and sweet person and made you feel at home in his presence. You are and will be greatly missed. Rest easy now. Until we see you again.
Rosa Stamatis
Sending prayers and condolences for Walter’s family. Walter was a great man and will be greatly missed. I will cherish the great memories from his days of playing golf with daddy. Rest Easy.
Bill Wagner
So sorry for your loss Remona. My prayers are with you & your family. Rest in peace Walter.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Walter (Shorty) was always a gentle and giving person. I have many wonderful memories of him being generous and doing all he could do help those around him. We love you and will miss you so much. God speed my friend.
Walter was a kind & loving brother. Like our Dad, Walter was always there when you needed him. I had a few days last August that were devastating returning to Tarboro for the funeral of my best friend and our cousin, Lena Doughtie. Walter picked me up from the hotel each morning, noon & evening.. He was with me each day making sure I ate three meals a day (now that’s pure love), talking as long as I needed to & it was so wonderful. I love Walter & will miss him. I will see him when God takes me home.
God bless each member of his loving family & all his wonderful friends. I love his wonderful wife, Ramona too.
Walter was one of the best men I’ve ever known. We had some great times together & I’ve loved him since I’ve known him; over 60 years. I was so excited to get to see him again at our class reunion in August. He always gave the best hugs. My heart is broken that I will never see him again on this earth but I’ll get my hug when I see you in heaven. I love you Walter & will always cherish our fun times as friends & keep ur memory alive in my heart.
Joy Acree-Caldwell
Walter will always be in our hearts, with our loving memories of him.
Walter, Mark(son)Mike(brother), and Mike’s son, Kevin. Carolyn(sister) and Walter
We mourn the loss of Walter, a beautiful soul whose kindness warmed our hearts and whose humor brought smiles to our faces. We remember fondly his gentle disposition, his generous spirit, and the thoughtful gestures that defined him deeply as a friend of the family. His absence will leave an irreplaceable void- his love and compassion will remain in our hearts forevermore.
I’m so very sorry to hear of “Shorty”s passing and for your loss.
I, to this day, still remember his smile, that grin and his laughter. He was always the life of the party. The Smokestack days, the Little Washington dance hall and many more.
Rest in peace Shorty, Thanks for the memories.
Jamie and the Dew Family, we send our heartfelt condolences to you and pray that the peace and comfort of our Lord will be with you. We encourage you to remember and cherish all of the fond memories of Mr. Walter as they will strengthen and comfort you.
Cynthia Allen Coe and The Medical Records Team
Eastpointe Human Services
May God bless this loving family with sweet memories of Walter, my dear sweet brother. Love you!
My condolences to Walter’s family. Walter was such a sweet and kind person and often mischievous.
He was a classmate and a friend for many years, always with a smile on his face.
Rest In Peace dear friend.
Kathy Beach (Wagner) Jones
My favorite memory of my favorite uncle is very hard for me to forget.. when I was 12-13 yrs old, I thought I was the coolest chick back in that day.. I was very wild.. and being a tomboy with 3 brothers, I liked to ride ATVs, Bikes, etc.. so one year while visiting uncle Walter and Ramona with my parents and brother.. when we showed up, everyone was already drinking and partying in the barn.. since I was too young to party at the time, it was kind of boring for me.. So about half way through the night when all the adults had been drinking way too much and shooting pool.. I stayed outside and decided to start playing in the new truck sitting right infront of the barn, it was just sitting there nice and pretty for everyone to see…so at this point I decided to ask nobody in particular, if I was allowed to take the truck for a short drive.. not really expecting too… but this is when Earl decided to pay attention and speak up.. haha .. and apparently Earl thought it was a great idea for me to drive this truck, and even offered to get the keys from Walter for me, (who was inside in the barn).. it’s Safe to say, Walter had no reason not too trust Earl at the time.. so Earl came back outside and started the truck for me.. he even told me to have fun, and that this particular truck would work better than any four wheeler, and I would have no issues in the mud and ditches in the field next door. Haha… So i didn’t need to hear anymore.. next thing, I took off, by myself and decided to have a little “Mud fun” with my Uncles Brand spanking New truck. Only awhile later when the neighbor across the way called Walter on the phone asking him who the heck was driving like a maniac through the dang fields.. ha.. Walter thought it was funny, laughing with everyone else, until he went outside with everyone and saw who’s truck it was.. of course with I came back with a filthy truck, after jumping through ruts, trying to see how high I could go, and flying through the field, doing donuts… when I finally came back to the barn- ( after a bunch of unsuccessful attempts to get my attention) .. uncle Walter was pretty upset.. but since I blamed Earl for giving me the keys anyways.. but l never got reprimanded for it..besides- uncle Walter could never get mad at me!! besides, I still say today that it really wasn’t my fault! Ha. Anyways… I have only fond memories of my uncle.. he was the best person.. with the best personality.. He was always the life of party, but would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him for it .. it will never be the same without him.
I only hope he and granny are watching over all of us now. I will miss and Love you forever. Rest easy Uncle Walter.
XOXO , Shelly Dew aka your favorite niece
Praying for Remona and the family. We will all miss Walter. I will keep the family in my prayers.
CB
So sorry to hear this about Walter. He was a good friend and we had many good times together playing music and snow skiing trips. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around each of you during this difficult time.
TO:THE BEST BROTHER, UNCLE &FRIEND!You left a special mark on each of us & it will never be the same without U!Rest assured-We will NEVER forget you!
With deepest sympathies, Aunt Ava, Dara, Ivy, Steve and Mark and family. Sending love and prayers your way.
Condolences to the Dew family,
Walter was a wonderful friend and classmate who always had a kind word and a great big smile of his face. He was full of fun, laughter and he will be dearly missed by all. Just hold on to the beautiful memories that you shared with him and you will see him again. May God give you peace and comfort during this trying time,
Fun, caring, and always helpful. My deepest sympathy to Mark, and all of Walter’s family.
So sorry for your loss. Walter will be missed by everyone who knew him. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.