William Joseph Charles Dams, known by his friends as "Duke "was born in Buffalo, NY on July 27, 1936. He joined his Heavenly Father and beloved wife, Helen, on July 29, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Helen Louise Dams and his oldest daughter Rebecca Louise Sykes.
William is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Arlene Benack and Mrs. Donna Christian both of Buffalo, NY; one son, William Herman John Dams of New Bern, NC; an adopted son, Steven James Baucom of New Bern, NC; one daughter of the home, Anna Marie Dams and her fiancée Glenn A. Crawford of Havelock, NC. One grandson, Randolf Nathan Revert, Jr and his wife Karla of Yuma, Arizona.
Bill joined the Marines on February 14, 1953, and retired on August 1, 1973 with twenty years of service. He served many duty stations across the globe, including Korea, multiple tours in Vietnam, Cuba, but his most favorite duty station was U.S. Embassy in Taiwan. After military retirement, no grass grew under his feet. He graduated from Craven Community College in 1975 with two Associate in Applied Science degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. He spent many years as a business manager for two local car dealerships, and finished his career as business manager of two local nursing homes.
He attended Upper Room Church in Havelock, NC up to the time he became too sick to attend. He was always there in spirit. He belonged to many Associations and Masonic Orders. He was a member of the Marine Embassy Guard Association; Fleet Reserve Branch #141; American Legion Post #0024; VFW Post #7315, and the Newport Moose Lodge. He was Past Illustrious Master of the New Bern York Rite Masonic Bodies; Past Associate Bethel Guardian of Bethel #3 of Jobs Daughters in New Bern, NC; Past Watchman of Shepards of Coastal Shrine #9; Past Royal Patron of Tryon Court #16 Order of the Amaranth in New Bern, NC; Chapter 46 R.A.M. New Bern Council No. 12; R & S.M. St. John’s Commandary in New Bern, NC, and a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner.
The Dams family wants to express their heartfelt Thank You to Dr. Neil Carmichael Bender and his nurse, Mrs. Bobbie Jordon for their tireless efforts to treat our father. Both of you went above and beyond your call of duty. We would also like to express our gratitude to the staff of CarolinaEast Physicians of Pollocksville. Especially in our thoughts and prayers are Kathy Logan and Bart Roberts who gave of their time and talents to help provide love and comfort to our father during his battle.
God-Country-Family, all of which "Duke" knew so well. As one of dad’s embassy buddies said best, "Bill is in Heaven, but Heaven may not be ready for him!" Gung Ho, Marine! Semper Fi!
The family is asking in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warriors, Disabled American Veterans, or your local animal shelter. Dad so loved his animals.
Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5th, 2017 at the Lakeside Chapel of Greenleaf Memorial Park with masonic rites and military honors.
Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.
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