Thomas "Tommy" Dees

Thomas “Tommy” Dees, 73, of Atlantic Beach, passed away Friday, May 8­, 2020, at his home.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at Gethsemane Memorial Park. Friends are welcome to attend the service. However, in order to provide social distancing, we ask friends to remain in their cars, the service will be broadcasted through a sound system. For those unable to attend, the family invites you to view the webcasting of the service through Munden Funeral Home’s website. Friends are also encouraged to leave words of comfort to the family through the website.

Tommy honorably served our country in the United States Army. His inquisitive side and “old school” ways were applied to his love of justice and history. He fed that knowledge by reading the newspaper and anything about American history which was among his favorite reading material. He found great joy in searching for vintage and historic items, finding treasures in antiques and being able to share those with others.

Tommy loved the freedom of being himself and doing his own thing. This was also applied to his love of nature and the outdoors, whether it was the open areas of the marsh or the lowlands of Eastern North Carolina.  He loved to clam, whether he had a rake or not. His love of history and the coast were one of the reasons he enjoyed Fort Macon so much.

Tommy was proud to have led Havelock High Football team to victory against bitter rival New Bern Bears in September of 1964.  Tommy had a game for the ages, scoring touchdowns, making interceptions, and leading by example.  Published in The Havelock Progress, September 17th of 1964, describing the atmosphere at the end of the game: “The sweet smell of victory was in all the Ram spectators and the team itself couldn’t be happier. Their joy as well as their deep feeling for a fellow teammate, by carrying Tommy Dees, the real hero of the game, across the field.”

Being a faithful dog companion was something he mastered. Dogs were his buddies, no matter their shape or size, there wasn’t a dog around that he wouldn’t give attention to.

Tommy had a wonderful network of friends who he loved to visit with. His quirky sense of humor always lifted the spirits of those around him. Most especially, he loved being involved in the lives of his family and he cherished the quality time he spent with them.

He is survived by his life long partner, Sabra Mason of Smyrna; sons, Derek Dees of Atlantic Beach and Shawn Mason and wife Yayoi of Japan; brothers, Jewell David Dees Jr. and wife Judy of Indiana, James Worth Dees and wife Nita of Havelock and Troy Cecil Dees of Atlantic Beach; grandchild, Kaito; and 18 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewell and Eunice Dees.

The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2020, at Munden Funeral Home. In keeping with the CDC guidelines pertaining to the Coronavirus, those who are ill or at-risk (elderly, immune-compromised) are encouraged to stay home. Additionally, there will be a limit to the number of people in the building at one time, as well, those who attend will be asked to bring and wear a protective mask. Upon entering, guests will be asked health questions and their temperatures will be taken. Help us honor the Dees family while practicing safe measures.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Martha’s Mission at 901 Bay St, Morehead City, NC 28557 or Outer Banks Wildlife at 100 Wildlife Way, Newport, NC 28570.

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

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