Dewey Edward Solesbee

Dewey Edward Solesbee of Blowing Rock, NC, departed this earthly life and went home to Jesus on Friday, January 22, 2021. For 93 years, his kind heart and sweet smile endeared him to countless lifelong friends and ultimately resulted in a family that he loved and treasured.

Born August 10, 1927 in Asheville, NC, Dewey lived most of his life there, where he enjoyed a lengthy career with Southern Railway and where he met the absolute love of his life, Billie, whom he married 69 years ago.

Dewey was preceded in death by his parents, Dock and Agnes Solesbee; three brothers, Earnest Solesbee, Victor Solesbee and Robert Solesbee; and two sisters, Mable Solesbee and Geneva Davis.

He is survived by his wife Billie; son Tim Solesbee and wife Nancy of Blowing Rock; a granddaughter, Amanda Beebe her husband, Jason, and daughter Zoe of Newton, N.C.; a grandson, Cody Solesbee, and his wife Sophia and great-granddaughter Lenore of Lincoln NE; another son, Mike Solesbee, and his wife Maryann of Florida; granddaughter Kelly Solesbee and great-grandson Roman of Stokesdale, NC; grandson Kevin and his wife Jessica and great-grandchildren Hunter, John and Anna of Summerfield, NC; and a sister, Leila Henderson of Belton, SC

Dewey graduated from Emma High School in Asheville 1945 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in a tank battalion during the waning days of World War II. He was stationed at Ft. Knox and in Italy. Returning home, he attended Blanton’s Business School in Asheville and worked part time at the Army/Navy store. That’s where he first saw Billie, the store’s bookkeeper. Dewey finally summoned the nerve to speak to her, and they were married six months later, on January 6, 1952.

Meanwhile in 1950, Dewey had begun his career with Southern Railway. Following a long family tradition of railroad employment, he served in many capacities, most notably as the Chief Clerk to the President of Southern Railway. He retired in 1988 after 38 years with the railroad.

In his retirement years Dewey enjoyed playing golf, traveling the world and playing the piano. He was known for playing the piano at Oakley Baptist Church where he and Billie are members. He also loved serving his seniors at church by taking them on many van adventures in the state.

He lived 80 years in Asheville before moving to Hickory, NC and then on to Blowing Rock. The mountains were always his first love.

Dewey was known for his sense of humor and never met a stranger. His infectious personality always lit up the room and people always felt loved by him whether they were family, friends or a new acquaintance. He took great pride in being able to spend time with his grandchildren and watching them succeed in life.

The immediate family will gather for a private graveside service at 12 noon Wednesday at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oakley.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made in Dewey’s name to Medi-Home Health Hospice, 400 Shadowline Drive Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607 and Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.