Jerry Van Dove

The son of the late Benjamin Charles Dove and Dolores Woods Dove was born on August 26, 1945, in Akron, Ohio. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his sister, Clara Dove Harris of Salisbury, NC. He moved to Wilkesboro, NC, where he attended Wilkes Central High School.

He began his public service by joining the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer and K-9 Trainer/Handler. He later served in the United States Army Reserve. After an honorable discharge, he began his career in law enforcement with the North Wilkesboro Police Department as a Police Officer/Investigator. His law enforcement career continued when he joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. While serving, he continued his education, receiving an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement. During his career as a trooper, he specialized in K-9 Trainer/Handler, Narcotics Interdiction and Detention, Criminal Investigation, FBI Weapons and Explosives, Crowd Control and Civil Disobedience. After retiring, with thirty years of service with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, he joined the Southport Police Department as an Officer and K-9 Handler. He became the Chief of Police in 2003, serving the community as Chief for twelve years.

Still not satisfied with his contribution to public service, he entered politics, running for the Mayor of Southport. He served two consecutive terms (2015-2018). He was a member of Pythagoras Lodge #249, where he achieved Master Mason and Past Master of the Oak Island Masonic Lodge; 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and York Rite Mason; he received the Scottish Rite Bodies Lifetime Meritorious Award in 2003 and Outstanding Mason of the Year in 2014.

Dove was a member of Southport Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Southport Lions Club; previously served on the board of directors for The Landing, the community where he lived; U.S. Police K-9 Association Lifetime Member, Brunswick County Law Enforcement Association Past President; Local Emergency Planning Committee member and Former Project Director of Southport Police High Impact Youth Outreach Program.

Among the many accolades and awards, he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2007. This is the most prestigious award presented by the governor to persons who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. He received the Life-Saving Award from the City of Southport. He was a recipient of the MLK Walter Welch award in 2020.

He lived his life searching for the betterment of all. He will always be remembered for his fifty-six years of public service.

“This beautiful city (Southport) has been my home for over thirty-years, and it is where I have raised my family of three generations. I only want the best for our citizens and our future generations! I possess passion, loyalty, trust, honor, and integrity. My citizens don’t deserve any less than this. I am here to shine a positive light on our city…………to represent our great city in the best possible way.”

……… Jerry Van Dove

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, the love of his life of thirty-nine years, Sherry Dove (Frog); two sons, Darby Dove and wife Angie of Denver, NC; Nathan Dove of Ferguson, NC; daughter, Andra Browning and husband Dodd of Winnabow; Five Grandchildren, Zachary Dove, Makayla Dove, Lilly Dove, Krislyn Browning, and Caison Browning; brother, Joel Dove and wife, Jo Ann of Oak Island; sister in law, Kathy Helms and husband David of Waxhaw, NC; godson, Brayden Jackson-Brown of Southport, NC; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 21, at 4:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. at Southport Baptist Church-200 N. Howe Street Southport, NC 28461. Burial will be at Northwood Cemetery in Southport following the service, with Full Law Enforcement and United States Air Force honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation 1411 N. Howe Street Southport, NC 28461.