Dr. Baxter Boone Sapp Jr.

Dr. Baxter Boone Sapp Jr., 98, of Pine Knoll Shores, NC, passed away on September 19, 2023.

Baxter was born on May 19, 1925, in Durham, NC to Baxter Boone Sapp Sr. and Harriet Strayhorn Sapp. During his early years, his family moved to Raleigh’s Five Points area where he spent the rest of his childhood.

Baxter is predeceased by his parents Baxter and Harriett Sapp and sister Peggy Sapp Stokes and her husband Dr. Tommy Stokes.

He is survived by his loving wife Elsie Macon Sapp of 64 years, sons Baxter B Sapp III and Hal Thomas Macon Sapp, DDS, daughter Marinda Warren Sapp and spouse Neal Gagnon, as well as his grandchildren, Alison Sapp and Mary Macon Sapp.

Baxter’s early decision to pursue the study of dentistry led him to graduate from the University of North Carolina with a BA Degree in Chemistry in 1947, followed by admission to Temple University School of Dentistry where he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1951. After 6 months in practice, he was inducted into the United States Air Force and assigned to the Air Defense Force at Itazuke Air Force Base in Fukuoka, Japan on the Island of Kyushu where he served his tour of duty. While there, he was invited as a principal speaker at the Far East Dental Seminar at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Tokyo, served as a member of the Airmen's Promotion Board, and organized the first Inter-Service Dental Seminar among U.S. military facilities on Kyushu. After his discharge as a Captain in 1954, he was invited to join the dental staff of Duke University's Private Diagnostic Clinic where he practiced dentistry until 1971. He then resigned in order to begin private practice in a newly constructed office in Durham. Dr. Sapp was President of his local and district dental societies, and Vice President of the North Carolina Dental Society. In 1972 he served on the UNC School of Dentistry Search Committee to select a new Dean for the School and after serving three years as a trustee on the Dental Foundation of North Carolina, he was elected its President. He became the 3rd recipient of the John C. Brauer Award given by the UNC Dental Alumni for his service to the School of Dentistry. He and his wife established the Baxter and Elsie Sapp Fellowship Award to assist students with financial support of their dental education, which is ongoing. He was involved with the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, Academy of Operative Dentistry,  American Association of Endodontics,  American College of Dentists, and Fellow of the International College of Dentists, where he served as Seven State Regency and was elected  President in 1980. In 1978 he was part of an educational delegation to four countries in the Far East to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the International College of Dentists which took place in Japan, with visits to dental schools in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Manila. Aside from these wonderful dental service accomplishments, he stated that the highlight of his varied career was the 25 year dental practice association with his son Macon in their private practice in Durham.

Dr. Sapp had many interests throughout his life. As a young man he enjoyed oil painting and photography while working for the News and Observer. Later in life he enjoyed flying his small passenger plane around the country with his good buddy Eric Johnson. In his 60’s he and his son Baxter enjoyed scuba diving together and took many trips. He loved spending time at the beach and going out on his boat to fish with his family and friends.

After retiring at 88 years old, Baxter enjoyed working out, swimming, biking, photography, playing the clarinet and tenor sax, listening to big band music at full volume, and spending time at the beach with his family.

He will be remembered for his zest for life, his big laugh and his love of his family and profession. His family would like to extend a special thanks to his son Baxter III, who spent countless hours taking great care of his father during his final years.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.