John Wayne Dinkins

Mr. John Wayne Dinkins, 79, of Clemmons, North Carolina, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Born on April 6, 1947, in Roanoke, Virginia, John was the beloved son of the late Carl Mitchell Dinkins and Virginia Conner Dinkins. He grew up in Yadkin County, North Carolina, where he attended Yadkinville High School. Following graduation, John proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force, completing a meaningful tour of duty stationed in Germany as a Cryptologic Analyst.

Upon returning to civilian life, John pursued higher education and graduated from Wake Forest University. His deep-seated commitment to his fellow servicemen and women led him to a rewarding career with the Veterans Administration, where he dedicated his professional life to supporting veterans and their families.

John was a resident of Clemmons, NC and an enthusiastic supporter of Wake Forest University Athletics. He possessed a lifelong passion for history, knowledge and culture, finding great joy in reading and attending live music performances. Above all, John valued his family and the community roots he planted in North Carolina.

John was preceded in death by his cherished son, Jonathan Dinkins, his parents, Carl and Virginia Dinkins, and his special little buddy, his dog Coco.

He leaves behind a loving and devoted family, including his brother, James Dinkins of Winston-Salem, NC; and his four sisters, Joan Boyles (Jim) of Baton Rouge, LA, Jeanette Dinkins of Yadkinville, NC, Joy Lineberry (the late Curley) of Yadkinville, NC, and Janice Frye (Larry) of Yadkinville, NC. He is also survived by his nephews, Patrick Frye (Kasie) of Lewisville, NC, and Daniel Frye of Mocksville, NC; his nieces, Farrah Dinkins Staples (Johnny) of Clemmons, NC, and Virginia Somers (Bretton) of Baton Rouge, LA; by his ex-wife and close friend, Carol Helm of Boonville, NC; and his close friend of over 50 years, Ron White of Winston-Salem, NC; as well as many extended family members, former colleagues, and close friends who will dearly miss his presence.

The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 PM Friday, October 9, 2026 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville. A private family interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a memorial contribution to a veteran support organization of your choice or to the Wake Forest University Deacon Club to honor John’s love for his alma mater.