Justin Michael Dewberry

Justin Dewberry was born on September 26, 1979 at Wuesthoff Hospital in Rockledge, FL.

Justin grew up attending Trinity Lutheran Preschool, Hans Christian Andersen Elementary School, Kennedy Middle School, and Rockledge High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1998.

Throughout his life, Justin pursued a variety of professional and personal interests, learning new skills and embracing new opportunities. He worked for GE Medical and in fiber-optic installation before serving in the United States Navy. During his military service, he worked as a Master-at-Arms in military police roles in Dubai and Bahrain and also served with Harbor Patrol, operating patrol vessels. His professional experience later took him overseas again, where he worked in international contracting in Iraq and in the Bahamas.

Justin eventually returned to school, attending Haywood Community College in North Carolina. There, he pursued an interest in becoming a forest ranger, with hopes of one day living a simpler, somewhat off-grid life while teaching and serving others in a state or national park setting.

His path ultimately led him to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He went on to build a career in accounting, working as a Staff Accountant for Goodwill Corporate in San Antonio, Texas; as an Accountant for US Auto Sales in Duluth, Georgia; and as a Senior Accountant with Pilot Pen Corporation and CSI IT Consultants in Jacksonville, Florida.

While Justin's career took him in many directions, his interests and passions were just as varied. He enjoyed soccer, bowling, pool, swimming, tennis, cars, motorcycles, poker and firearms. He had a particular appreciation for watches, pens, and vintage memorabilia, and enjoyed collecting things that reflected his many interests. Music was one of the most important parts of his life. Justin loved playing his guitar, singing in the choir and performing with a men's barbershop quartet when he was younger. He sang the national anthem at a ball game or two, and enjoyed Karaoke nights. Those who knew him well will remember not only his love of music, but the joy he found in sharing it with others.

Above all, Justin will be remembered for the people he loved and all the friendships he built throughout his life. From childhood friends and classmates to fellow servicemen, coworkers, roommates, church friends, and family, Justin had a remarkable ability to form connections that lasted for many years. He was known for his kindness, humor, warmth, and infectious smile. He had a way of making people feel welcome and turning ordinary moments into memories.

We know Justin faced struggles that many of us may never fully understand. We don’t believe those struggles define the man he was, nor do they diminish the compassion and generosity he showed to those around him.

Justin was a Christian, and his faith in Jesus Christ was an important part of his life. He was baptized and openly shared his faith with his mother and with so many others he encountered throughout his life. Those who knew Justin knew that his relationship with Jesus was something he was willing to talk about and at times was very active and passionate about as well.

While our hearts are broken by his passing, we hold onto the peace and hope that come from knowing that Justin's faith was in Jesus and that the blood of Jesus covers him. We believe that he is now home with his Heavenly Father, and reunited with his earthly father. That hope does not take away the pain of losing him, but it gives us comfort in knowing that this is not the end of Justin's story.

Justin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Justin is survived by his mother and stepfather, Denise and Jerry Morton; his sister and brother-in-law, Jessica and Jeff Winkel; his brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Candi Dewberry: his Grandmother Carol Layton, and his Uncle Tim Layton and Aunt Deb. He is also survived by his first cousins, Sherri Collier, Daniel Layton, Donald Layton, and Eric Layton; and his nieces and nephews, Aidan, Hannah, Holland, and Jack Winkel, as well as Skylar and Dylan Dewberry. Justin was preceded in death by his father James R. Dewberry, Uncle Douglas Layton, Uncle Donald Layton, and Uncle David Layton.

Flowers are welcome. Or in lieu of flowers, consider a donation in his honor through a non-profit organization that he had strong ties to, and whose mission is helping those in need during the storms of life. The Canopy Ministries | www.thecanopycares.org