Jonas Richard “Dick” Futrell, Jr.

Jonas Richard “Dick” Futrell, Jr. passed away peacefully at Carteret Landing in Morehead City, North Carolina, on January 26, 2025.

A celebration of his life will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Morehead City, NC, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with interment to follow at St. Andrews Columbarium. The family will greet visitors in the parish hall afterward. 

Born on March 6, 1931, in Hertford, North Carolina, he graduated from Perquimans High School and earned a BA in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1953. A lifelong UNC fan and proud Tar Heel, he maintained active membership in the Pi Kappa Alpha Tau Chapter. Dick later completed the Louisiana State University School of Banking of the South in 1965, which laid the foundation for his distinguished career in banking and finance.

Dick will be best remembered as a quick-witted man with a knack for storytelling that always commanded attention. His lifelong passion for boating was matched by his deep devotion as a husband, father, and grandfather, ever-present in his family’s lives. He also generously shared his talents through active civic service.

Dick’s professional career began at Wachovia Bank & Trust Co. (now Wells Fargo) followed by a brief period at the WJ Bateman Insurance Agency in Tarboro, NC. He then joined North Carolina National Bank (now Bank of America), where he worked in Tarboro, Durham, New Bern, and Raleigh. From 1978 to 1990, he served at Planters National Bank in Rocky Mount, NC, holding positions including Executive Vice President, President, Chairman o f the Board, and CEO. Dick was instrumental in collaborating with Bob Mauldin, President and CEO of Peoples Bancorporation for the successful merger of Planters National Bank with Peoples Bancorporation—to form Centura Banks, Inc. Dick subsequently served as Chairman & CEO of Centura Banks, Inc. (1990–1993) and as Chairman of the Executive Committee (1993–1995).

In addition to his banking career, Dick was deeply engaged in civic life. He served as President of the NC Bankers Association and was later inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2010. His civic service included positions on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of NC Citizens for Business and Industry; as President and Trustee of the NC Symphony Society; and as a Trustee of Peace College. He contributed to the National Development Council, served on the Board of Visitors at UNC Chapel Hill, and was Chairman of the NC State Education Assistance Authority. Additionally, he was a Trustee of NC Central University and Chairman of the Craven County Industrial Development Commission. Dick was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, served on the Disciplinary Hearing Commission for the NC State Bar, and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served the State of North Carolina as State Budget Officer and as Chairman of the North Carolina State Ports Authority.

In 2000, Dick and his wife, Billie, relocated to Pine Knoll Shores and later Morehead City, where he continued to serve the community by joining the boards of the Beaufort Historical Association, NC Wesleyan University, the Carteret County Economic Development Council, the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, the North Carolina Aquarium Society, and the Carteret Community Foundation. He was also active in St. Francis by the Sea in Salter Path and later St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Morehead City. 

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Billie Bateman Futrell; his daughter, Mary Futrell Utz and son-in-law Charles Monroe Utz, IV; and his grandchildren, Samuel “Sam” Richard Utz of Arlington, VA, and Kathryn “Katie” Clark Utz of Wilmington, NC.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas Richard Futrell and Alice Elliott Futrell. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Futrell-Mauldin Community Foundation and/or Carteret Community Foundation, c/o NC Community Foundation, 3737 Glenwood Ave., Suite 460, Raleigh, NC 27612, or St. Andrews Episcopal Church – Capital Campaign, 2005 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the dedicated and caring employees at Carteret Landing and Gentiva Hospice; and with special thanks to Ellen Maready, Tatiana Clark, Megan Travino, and Leigh Fulcher for their compassion and care.

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

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