John Armstrong Dinan
December 20, 1927 ~ July 21, 2015
Rocky Mount - John Armstrong Dinan, age 87, died suddenly on Tuesday morning, July 21, 2015, at his home. John's family and friends will always remember him as a faithful disciple of Christ, a loving husband, father and grandfather, a patriot soldier for his country and a generous and loyal friend to all, always embracing each day with humility and a servant's heart and sharing his smile and sense of humor with everyone.
Born December 20, 1927, in West Palm Beach, FL, he was the only child of Maurice John and Josephine Hudgins Dinan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jeffrey Armstrong Dinan.
After graduating from Miami High School in 1946, he was accepted at N.C. State College, but decided to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He served two years in the Marine Corps and then attended N.C. State. After graduating from N.C. State in 1952, he entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant and served in Korea.
He was in the insurance business for over fifty years and considered his clients as friends.
After his retirement, he passionately served the Marine Corps League and Toys for Tots.
He was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church, Sam Hayworth Sunday School Class and Corinthian Masonic Lodge 230. He also served as past chairman of the Salvation Army, past president of the Kiwanis Club and was a faithful worker with Gatekeepers.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Frances Dinan; his daughter, Ann Dinan Snead of Hot Springs, VA and his son, John Norwood Dinan of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Laci Ann Dinan, John Reed Dinan, Ivy Elizabeth Dinan and Joseph Cole Dinan. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Wilton Williams and many beloved cousins and their families.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 11:00AM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Sugg Foyer.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests one of the following memorials: Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; The Masonic Home for Children, 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565; Toys for Tots, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172-1776 or The Salvation Army, 2161 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804.
You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Location Not Available
Friday 7/24, 12:00 pm
Service
Lakeside Baptist Church
1501 Sunset Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 7/24, 11:00 am
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of John Armstrong Dinan
A special family friend, we have lost another outstanding member of the greatest generation. Admired him on many different levels, both personal and professional. Tom Purinai.
I just spent a fun filled week of Gatekeepers Workcamp with John and my supply runner as he had been for years. We had many laughs together getting thru the week. I am heartbroken, but know you aren’t in pain. I will miss you dearly! Prayers to your family.
Lit a candle in memory of John Armstrong Dinan
Lit a candle in memory of John Armstrong Dinan
One of the finest men I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Lit a candle in memory of John Armstrong Dinan
Mary Frances and family you have my heartfelt condolences during this very difficult time. God grant you grace, comfort and peace as you mourn the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. Liz Smallwood
Mary Frances I am so sorry, you two’s friendship has been so special to me, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have been blessed to get to know John over the last few years through my father’s Sunday School class at Lakeside Baptist. I will always remember how John took my father to lunch every week and just for rides in the country as my father declined from ALS. John’s friendship meant a lot to my father. John was a good and caring man who will be missed greatly.
I have lost a wonderful Sunday School friend. He was a wonderful and caring man and I will miss him.
Many memories. God ones. Terrapin and Mary Frances
I memory of of a wonderful and loving man….
Lit a candle in memory of John Armstrong Dinan
Dear Mary Frances, Ann and John, We are so sorry for your loss. I have a lot of fine memories of working with John. He was an important part of my success in the insurance business. He was a strong Christian and had a wonderful outlook on life. We will miss him along with many others. Please be assured that we will keep you all in our prayers. Ruffin and Connie Johnson
I did not know John well but I know his daughter Ann very well. You know – the oak leaf doesn’t fall far from the tree. John was extraordinary and God Loving as is his wife Mary Frances. It is my honor to know them. God’s love and comfort now! Prudence.
Lit a candle in memory of John Armstrong Dinan
Hello Dinan Family, I’m reaching out to you’ll because I purchased a piece of furniture at a yard sale and in it I believe I found a Bible that belonged to John A Dinan. It states he was in the army 1952 to Nov. 1953. Im praying that I’m reaching out to the correct family. It also says his nearest relative is Mary Dinan and has an address of 2247 Wade Avenue Raleigh NC Phone 44023 My phone number is 919-225-7090