John Emmett Dews III

BYRD FUNERAL HOME ON WEST MAIN STREET

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Posted by: ByrdFuneralHome
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334.793.3003
Date: Oct 27 2013 2:53 PM

Byrd Funeral Home

3409 W. Main Street

Dothan, Alabama 36305

334.793.3003

 byrdfuneralhome.com

 John Emmett Dews III

John Emmett Dews III, age 58, died at home on October 25, 2013. Born November 25, 1954, he was preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Sutton Dews. He is survived by his children, Jed E. Dews of Greenville, SC and Ashley Elizabeth Dews of Ashford, AL. Other survivors include his father, Dr. John Dews of Northport, AL, his brother, Thomas Sutton Dews of Vest, KY, and his grandson, Jonathan Alexander Carroll of Ashford, AL.

Mr. Dews graduated from White Station High School in Memphis, TN and attended the University of Tennessee. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1976 and served on active duty for 6 years. He served primarily on long-range nuclear-powered submarines during the perilous years of the Cold War, attaining the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

Upon leaving the navy, John capitalized on his training and joined the Southern Company as a reactor operator in the Farley Nuclear Plant going on to become an instructor in plant operations. He retired from Farley after over 25 years of service and spent the remainder of his life in community activities in Dothan and Ashford, Alabama.

John found his association with the friends he met at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens especially rewarding, and he was known for his love and cultivation of day lilies. John was also known for his extensive collection of pocket knives and an encyclopedic knowledge of their history and craftsmanship, a knowledge he applied to his pursuits as an amateur blacksmith.

In later years John found that helping in the care and nurture of his grandson gave him pleasure and reward beyond the telling.

Interment will take place at Crestlawn Cemetery (Avon) at 11 am Wednesday, October 30, 2013 following a brief graveside service for family, past colleagues, and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens are requested.

 

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