Jarrette O'Leary "Babby" Dineen, Sr.

Jarrette O'Leary "Babby" Dineen Sr., 79, of Eden, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, surrounded by his loving family. Fair Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Mr. Dineen was born August 26, 1947, in Leaksville, to the late John Patrick and Leone Martin Dineen. He graduated from Morehead High School before joining the United States Navy. He served during the Vietnam War aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CVS-12). While aboard Hornet, he took part in the recovery of the Apollo 11 astronauts after the first Moon landing in July 1969. After his service, he earned a degree in Textile Technology from Rockingham Community College. He went on to build a 35-year career in textile engineering with Fieldcrest Karastan, Forstmann & Company, and Mohawk Industries.

He was a devoted member of Church of the Epiphany, where he sang tenor in the choir and served on the vestry, including as Senior Warden. To most, he was Babby. To his grandchildren, he was Grumpa. He will be remembered for his abiding faith in Christ, his unpredictable wit and humor, his loyalty, and his love of family. He enjoyed golf and was a devoted fan of the UNC-Chapel Hill Tar Heels and Chicago Cubs. His family rejoices that he is now in heaven with his beloved lab, Gus.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael Martin Dineen. Surviving are his wife, Jill Dineen; daughter, Conner Evans and husband Andrew of Winston-Salem; son, Jarrette O. Dineen Jr. and wife Miriam of Winston-Salem; grandchildren, Carlisle Evans, Joiner Evans, Bennett Evans, Collins Dineen, and Caroline Cove Dineen; and nephew, Michael-Jon Dineen of Eagle, Colorado.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Church of the Epiphany in Eden, with the Reverend Linda Nye officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium, with military honors. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor his memory may make a gift to Church of the Epiphany, 538 Henry Street, Eden, NC 27288.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the Novant Health Oncology and Palliative Care teams and to VA Health Care for the compassion and care they gave him.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.