Mickey lived in Florence, South Carolina, for more than 45 years until his passing. He graduated from Latta High School in 1952 and Furman University in 1956. Following college, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Artillery at Fort Campbell, Kentucky and was a paratrooper. It was there that he met his bride, Elaine James of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. They shared 61 years of marriage and built a life filled with family, adventure, and cherished memories.
Following their marriage, Mickey and Elaine moved to Macon, Georgia, where Micky earned his law degree. He was admitted to the Georgia and South Carolina bars and practiced law for two years before beginning a 20-year career as an FBI agent.
During his years with the FBI, Mickey and his family lived in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Arizona before returning to South Carolina. After retiring from the FBI, he continued working for four years with his father’s company, D.M. Dew and Sons, in Latta.
Mickey had a lifelong love of fishing and enjoyed spending time outdoors. He also had a passion for flying and earned his instrument pilot’s license. One of his most memorable adventures was flying a single-engine Cessna in Australia—an experience that reflected his love of exploration and adventure.
Mickey is survived by his three children: Mikell James Dew (Julie) of Ridgeway, Colorado; Deborah Howard (Lee) of Powhatan, Virginia, and their children, Kevin (Kaitlin), Christopher (Kelli Fox), and Stuart (Bree); and Mark Alan Dew (Robin) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and their children, Lily (Jacob), Elijah, and Chappell.
He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Sandra Dew Perry and Paula Dew Harper. He is survived by Paula’s husband, Dr. Wallace Harper.
Mickey leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, dedication to his country and career, and a lifelong spirit of adventure. He will be remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Receiving of family and friends will be held at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 3-5pm with a funeral service to follow at 5pm. Mickey will be laid to rest at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
