John Wayne Dalrymple

John (Johnny) Wayne Dalrymple was born on April 27, 1943 in Kannapolis, NC and passed peacefully at home in Midlothian, Virginia at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Wells Dalrymple, and many children and grandchildren: Morgan Taylor and husband, Matthew Taylor, and children Alli, Lucas, Elijah, and Noelle Taylor; Aaron Dalrymple and wife, Rosalie Dalrymple, and children Logan and Jackson Dalrymple; Avery Quatro and husband, David Quatro, and children Sam, Will, and Elliot Quatro; Merrill Hopper and husband, David Hopper, and children Eisley and Griffin Hopper. He is also survived by his niece, Becky Milam and husband Billy Milam; nephew, John Murph; great niece, Amy Moore and husband Chase Moore; and great nephew, Brennen Milam.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Allie Dalrymple, and his older sister Merle Murph and husband Bill Murph. John was a graduate of AL Brown High School (Kannapolis, NC), Mars Hill College, Wake Forest University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

In his work career, John Dalrymple was a champion for those with physical disabilities. He worked tirelessly for almost 40 years with the State of North Carolina in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. His work included legislation for state building codes that eliminated architectural barriers, publication of the Access books that were an accessibility guide to all North Carolina state travel sites, and the establishment of rehabilitation centers and independent living offices across the state. In 1994, John was one of the recipients of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service. He retired as Chief of Independent Living Services in 2006.

John and his wife Shirley lived in Raleigh, North Carolina for almost 50 years before moving to Midlothian, Virginia in 2017. Before moving, he was a long time member of Covenant Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

John was also a talented, avid musician. He started playing the trumpet as a young boy and continued until a few months before his passing. He played in various venues throughout high school and college, in church services, during Christmas caroling events, for the celebration of birthdays, for the residents of his retirement community, as well as for his own personal enjoyment. His trumpet playing was a blessing to many people throughout his life.

John had a generous heart, a joyful spirit, and a kind disposition even to his last days. He loved God, his family, and all those around him well.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1:00 pm Stony Point Reformed Presbyterian Church 2330 Buford Road Bon Air, VA 23235 Graveside service at 3:00 pm Hollywood Cemetery 412 South Cherry Street Richmond, VA 23220