RET SGM Nervin Joseph Dedeaux

Sergeant Major Nervin Joseph Dedeaux, Jr., US Army, Ret., age 88, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, entered his Heavenly home on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Born in Delise, Mississippi, on June 28, 1935, he was the son of the late Nervin Joseph Dedeaux, Sr and Effie Josephine Martin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Bishop Carolyn Prince DeDeaux, whom he married on April 5, 1958, as well as six brothers and sisters. They were blessed with four sons, later adding another son and a daughter, along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nervin leaves behind to cherish his memory his sons Nervin Joseph Dedeaux III of Fayetteville, NC; Darrell Lee DeDeaux (Denise) of Cameron, NC; Raoul Michel DeDeaux of Louisville, KY; Marc Anthony DeDeaux (Nicole) of Fayetteville, NC; Mustafah Mannsur, of Fayetteville, NC; and daughter Cynthia Tobe-Hairston of Fayetteville, NC; and additionally, grandchildren Gregory Simmons (April), Nervin Joseph Dedeaux IV, Carolyn Marie Dedeaux, LaTiana Danielle Headen (Ashley), Arielle Chantal Brown (Terry), Brianna Celine DeDeaux (Josh), Jean-Pierre Baptiste DeDeaux (Abigail), Chanel Mwanza (Narcisse), Marquez DeDeaux, Jaquez DeDeaux (Donalyse), Azari DeDeaux, Enye’ DeDeaux, Ishmael Mannsur (Patrice), Rashida Mannsur and Joshuwah George; great-grandchildren Tatiyana, Gregory, Enesia, Jadyn, Mia, Prince, Ian, Weldon, Elijah, Peyton, Sabur, Alexa, Jolene, Salah-Jerimiah, Amir, and Nasir. He leaves behind two sisters Rose “Teri” Baker and Alma Welch, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Nervin J. Dedeaux, Jr., known by all as Daddy Dedeaux, was always a disciplined, tenderhearted man focused on his family and community. A longtime resident of North Hills in Fayetteville, he started a football team for boys in his neighborhood--buying uniforms, coaching, traveling with the players to games--just so those young men could be part of a citywide league. Carolyn Dedeaux, his wife, joined in with a squad of cheerleaders. He also managed what started as a neighborhood band, The Soul Express, which grew to include other local young people. Daddy Dedeaux was always encouraging and willing to participate with old and young, even sitting on the ground while painting sculptures in a children’s workshop at Whomsoever Will Let Them Come Church of God, which was pastored by his wife; building the sanctuary’s focal point, a stage from which pastors, choir, and musicians would later reside during services; or standing at the grill cooking ribs or stirring up his famous potato salad for the semi-annual fundraiser at the Cameron Antique Street Fair. Not only was he a willing team player but he was always a role model for excellence. He taught by example: if you want something done, do it yourself was his motto. If a meeting were to start at 10, he was there at 9:30 and ready, if he were building, he used screws, not nails; his yard was impeccable; his tools in order and greased; his combat boots shined the night before; and if a young runner challenged him, he outran them, even after a long day on Ft. Bragg (Ft. Liberty). All looked up to Daddy Dedeaux, many who did not have fathers. His was a warm hand and a willing ear. He could elevate with just a handshake, a kind word, or a hug. Nervin was a proud United States Army veteran. His journey to the pinnacle of the enlisted corps began unbeknownst to him when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1952 and became RA14-483-860 at the height of the Korean War. In this last segregated war and one of the Nation’s bloodiest, he earned his rightful place in history. He graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, followed by Advanced Individual Training as an Infantryman. In his rise from Private to Sergeant Major, he served in a variety of NCO leadership positions and assignments, all with distinction. His many assignments included service with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea; 1st Battle Group, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division in Munich, Germany; Company B, 27th Company Mobile Strike Force Command (MIKE Force) 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam; 1st Battalion, 504th Airborne Infantry Regiment; 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division; Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Office of the Deputy Chief for Intelligence, 2nd Infantry Division in Korea; and with the 319th Military Intelligence Battalion as Sergeant Major. He is a graduate of numerous educational courses to include the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 3 Nonresident in August 1978 at Fort Bliss, Texas. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Heart Medals, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals and numerous foreign and service awards. He has also been awarded the coveted Combat Infantryman's Badge with Star for service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, and Special Forces Tab. Nervin graduated from Fayetteville State University, earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He continued his dedication to service for 11 years with the Fayetteville Police Department from 1984 to 1995, where he was assigned to the Patrol Division, then transferring to the newly established Neighborhood Foot Patrol. He was assigned to various public housing projects within the City of Fayetteville, where he helped establish better community relations with the residents of those areas. He was eventually chosen to teach the DARE program in the Cumberland County School System with the Fayetteville Police Department until 1995, where he was hired by the Sheriff’s Department under the leadership of Sheriff Moose Butler, to teach in the Dare program, which had recently taken over the Program. While he was owner and operator of Dedeaux’s Card Shop, he also worked at Fayetteville Technical Community College from 2000 to 2008 as Sergeant of Security. Daddy Dedeaux made a difference in the life of everyone who knew him, and he leaves behind a tremendous legacy of life, love, and service. While our hearts are broken, and we will miss him dearly, we find comfort knowing that he is now reunited with the love of his life, Carolyn, who he passionately called his “little girl.” May he rest in Heavenly peace. Visitors may gather at Colvin Funeral Home in Fayetteville, NC on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 5 to 7 PM for visitation. The funeral will be held at Whomsoever Will Let Them Come Church of God in Eastover, NC at 11 AM on Thursday, May 30, 2024, with interment on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC at 12 PM. Arrangements are entrusted to Colvin Funeral Home, 2010 Murchison Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28301. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting https://www.hmcolvin.com.

RET SGM Nervin Joseph Dedeaux

June 28, 1935 - May 15, 2024