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Robert “Bob” Earl Dew

May 14, 1944 ~ June 19, 2022

ROCKY MOUNT - Robert "Bob" Earl Dew, age 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on May 14, 1944, he was the son of the late James Earl Dew and Bertha Ponds Long. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, William Leslie Long, Sr.; his brother, Albert Lee Long; his sister, Emma Carol Dew Anderson; and his brothers-in-law, Tommy George Joyner and Herman Steven Joyner. Robert's steadfast dedication to service towards his church, his family, and his country are part of the legacy he leaves behind. He proudly served in the US Army for three years in the early 1960's and during that time spent thirteen months stationed in Korea helping secure American interest in the DMZ along the 38th parallel. In addition to securing American interest during his time in Korea, he worked extra hard to secure his own interest by exchanging letters daily with his love and future bride, Gwen, for the entire thirteen months. Bob retired after many years as a Building Systems Engineer with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Facility Services -Construction Section. However, never one to slow down and not wanting to retire, Bob put his wealth of experience and knowledge to use as Director of Construction at Autumn Corporation. In this capacity, he worked with facility employees, using his easy manner and desire to teach and help others, to ensure safe conditions for everyone. He was an active, dedicated and a longtime member of Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. Always willing to serve and help others, he would teach anyone with a willingness to learn anything and everything and took special pride in working with and teaching his four grandsons. Robert loved being outside and enjoyed camping, traveling to the mountains and being at the beach with his family. In his spare time, he was an avid woodworker and master craftsman. He was a loving husband to his wife, and throughout his life he was a generous and devoted father to his daughters, supporting them in all things. Later in his life, and much to his delight, he became a proud and loving Papa to his grandchildren. Robert is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years, Gwendolyn Joyner Dew; his daughters, Tracy Dew Eidson and husband, Brownie, of Rocky Mount and Melissa Dew Smith and husband, Derrick, of Rocky Mount; his grandchildren, Oliver Lee Bissett, Robert Finley Bissett, Henry Sherwood Smith, Robert Owen Smith and the new additions to his family, Barrett, Lorna and Temple Eidson; He is also survived by his brother, William Leslie Long, Jr. and wife, Sue, of Tarboro, his brother, Donald Ray Long, also of Tarboro, his brothers-in-law, W. T. Anderson of Wilmington and Jerry Randolph Joyner and wife, Betty Jean, of Rocky Mount; sisters-in-law, Kathy Joyner Bennett and husband, Jimmy, of Salem and Sue Joyner of Rocky Mount; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service to celebrate Roberts's life will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Dr. Robin Fisher officiating. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Nash UNC Health Care Hospice & Palliative Care and Amada Senior Care caregivers for their love, care and support. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Robert's memory to The MDS Foundation (Myelodysplastic Syndrome), 4573 South Broad Street, Ste 150, Yardville, NJ 08620. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & 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 Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Wednesday 6/22, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. Service Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home 1130 N. Winstead Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Thursday 6/23, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm A Funeral Service to celebrate Roberts's life will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Dr. Robin Fisher officiating. Cemetery Forest Hill Cemetery 350 North 1st Street, Ext. Nashville, NC 27856 Thursday 6/23, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery.

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  1. We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Tommy, Kelly, Payton, and Brooke Lanier 3

  2. Our heart and prayers are with you all during this time. We love you. Simplicity was purchased for the family of Robert Bob Dew by Love, Travis, Witten, Ramsey, and Duffy. Send Flowers

  3. We are sorry for your loss, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peaceful Condolences was purchased for the family of Robert Bob Dew by Will & Kristin Causeway (Bearded Electric). Send Flowers

  4. My love and deepest sympathy to you, Gwen, and your family and everyone that will always love him. May your beautiful memories sustain you now and always. In every heartbreak is a Divine mission my friend. I love you.

  5. Dear Gwen, Tracy & Melissa I am truly saddened to hear of your loss of Robert. He was truly a special man and I know how much he means to your entire family, friends and community. May God comfort you all in your grief. My sincere condolences.

  6. Our warmest condolences, Vivid Recollections was purchased for the family of Robert Bob Dew by The Costa families. Send Flowers

  7. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Freedom was purchased for the family of Robert Bob Dew by Office Staff at Amada Senior Care. Send Flowers

  8. I have such fun memories of going to the beach with Peggy Snipes and the Dew family. I’ll never forget Tracy and I flirting with the boy across the street from our beach house while he was mowing the grass and her daddy said Y’all leave that boy alone! You’re gonna cause him to get a whipping if he doesn’t get that yard done! Prayers and hugs for all of you! ❤️

  9. Gwen, Melissa, and Tracy, I’m so sorry that I couldn’t be there today and Soo very sorry about the loss of Robert or as I called him, Tom! Please know my heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you all in the coming days, months, and years. You all were blessed! Robert was such a handsome and sweet man!! RIP Tom

  10. So sorry to hear about your loss. His memories will forever be in your hearts. Keeping family in thoughts and prayers. May the Love and Peace of God always provide comfort.♥️


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