Wesley Doles

Wesley Barnes Doles Jr., age 89, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, just days shy of his 90th birthday. He was born on June 17, 1936, in Elm City, North Carolina, a community that remained close to his heart throughout his life.

A Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, June 5th, 11:00 AM, at Elm City Methodist Church, 106 N. Parker St, Elm City.

A lifelong resident of Elm City, Wesley attended Elm City High School before continuing his education at North Carolina State University and Atlantic Christian College. Following his graduation, he began his career as a high school mathematics teacher in Hampton, Virginia. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Dickens. Their union would span 66 years, marked by devotion, partnership, and deep family ties.

Wesley eventually returned to his hometown, where he joined his father in the family business at Doles Grocery. With dedication and entrepreneurial vision, he expanded the enterprise into Doles Red & White and later added a True-Value hardware store, becoming a well-known and respected figure in the local business community. In addition to his work as a business owner, Wesley was also a long-time employee of Teledyne Thermatics in Elm City, balancing his professional commitments with tireless energy.

Upon his retirement, Wesley and Mary Lou moved to Morehead City, North Carolina, where he lived until his death, enjoying time near the coast and close to family.

A man of strong faith, Wesley was an active member of Elm City United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and faithfully served on various committees. He was also a dedicated member of the Elm City Rotary Club, where he received several service awards in recognition of his commitment to his community. Wesley found joy in simple pleasures, including spending Thursday afternoons shooting pool with his best friend, John Lloyd, at the clubhouse. A devoted family man often described as a “gentle giant,” he cherished time with his loved ones, especially family trips to the beach with his children and grandchildren.

Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Barnes Doles and Eileen Albright Doles, and his sister, Betty Sue Allgood.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Lou Dickens Doles; his sister, Nancy Doles Mitchell of Wilson, North Carolina; his daughters, Laura Lou Doles of Morehead City, North Carolina, and Diana Doles “Dee” Stokes and her husband, Robert Stokes, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He also leaves behind cherished grandchildren: Caitlin Benton and her husband Lane Benton of New Bern, North Carolina; Diana Ritchie and her partner Daniel Hatley of Winterville, North Carolina; Mary-Wren Ritchie and her husband Jose Garth of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Luke Stokes of Raleigh, North Carolina. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Wake Benton, Bodie Benton, and Femi Catalpa. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, including Wren Vanden Bosch of Wilson and Jeff Mitchell of Swansboro, and cousins, John Buckner of Black Mountain and Gail and Bill Albertti of Hillsborough.

Wesley will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his deep faith, his love of family, and his enduring connection to his community. His kindness, humility, and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Second Blessings’ Opportunity Shop, PO Box 307, Elm City, NC 27822, or to Elm City Methodist Church, PO Box 307, Elm City, NC 27822.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr N, Wilson, (252) 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com