Robert Earl Dupree

WILLOW SPRING – Robert Earl Dupree, 87, passed away Friday, February 20, 2026. A lifelong resident of Johnston County, he was the son of the late Ervin and Ethel Jones Dupree.

Robert graduated from Cleveland High School in 1957 and went on to attend Nashville Auto-Diesel College, where he received technical training as a diesel mechanic. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves while beginning what would become a remarkable career spanning nearly 47 years with Raleigh Tractor & Truck Company, later known as Cardinal International. Known for his strong work ethic and steady dedication, Robert devoted his entire professional life to the company until his retirement. Even then, he was not one to sit still, he loved to work, especially with his hands. He built his own shop on the farm and continued repairing equipment and helping friends and neighbors for decades. In his spare time, he farmed tobacco, sweet potatoes and soybeans and faithfully planted and tended a large garden each year. A generous man by nature, Robert always grew more fruits and vegetables than he needed, taking great joy in sharing his harvest with his community.

Robert was deeply devoted to his community. He was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Global Methodist Church for almost 60 years, where he served in multiple leadership roles including Sunday School Superintendent and the head of the Cemetery committee.

Robert also had a deep love for adventure and travel. He visited the Holy Land three times, an experience that was especially meaningful to him. A licensed pilot, he flew his own plane and he became a certified scuba diver, exploring new places to dive, particularly in Florida and the Bahamas. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially fishing together along the North Carolina coast, where many of their happiest memories were made.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 40 years, Julia Bryan Dupree; his daughters, Crystal Jackson (Gary) and Scherie Dupree; his sons, Mark Dupree (Carol) and Reverend Stephen Dupree (Gina); step-daughters, Carol Christmas and Susan Tilley (Edward); sister, Lois Lawhorn (Joe); his ten grandchildren and his twenty great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Dupree and Douglas Dupree.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 1:00pm at Mt. Zion Global Methodist Church, 15772 NC-50, Garner, NC 27529. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 8:00pm Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529.

Flowers are appreciated and memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Global Methodist Church, 15772 NC-50, Garner, NC 27529 or to Samaritan's Purse here.

Condolences to the family may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com