John Larry Dover, age 83 of Burnsville, NC went Home to be with the Lord on August 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on June 3, 1941, he was the son of the late John Carter Dover and Reba Irene Rogers Dover. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 34 years Diane Dover along with his sisters Mildred (Jack) Reed and Edith (Pitch) Pritchford.
John was born in Alabama City, AL and later moved to Deland, FL. As a child, he loved spending summers at his Grandparents farm on Chandler Mountain in Alabama. While attending a play at Deland High School, he was shot in his right eye by a misloaded shotgun, which caused him vision problems throughout his life. When he was in High School, he found he really loved photography and became the official class photographer. Upon graduation he joined the United States Air Force and was proud to serve his country from 1959 through 1965. Upon returning home, John went to work and subsequently retired from the State of Florida, Department of Transportation as an Engineer.
John met the love of his life in Deland, and they married on September 5, 1989. After retiring, John and Diane built their dream home in Burnsville, NC. John was a proud Master Mason at the Burnsville Lodge and attended Liberty Covenant Church. John was an avid wood worker and enjoyed making furniture and gifts for loved ones. John and Diane loved traveling together, they road tripped across the country 4 times and visited 49 of 50 states, and took many tours by planes, trains, busses and cruise ships where they visited countries all over the world.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Jay Pagliaro; two daughters, Amy Pagliaro and Tina (Scott) Thomas; two grandchildren, Caleigh (David) Theriault and, Cody (Maggie) Rhew and two great-grandsons, Tripp Theriault and Casey Rhew; one brother James (Teresa) Dover, and two sisters, Greta Nash and Vicky Dover, three sisters-in-law, Jane (David) Grove, Rose Bibeau and Jane Bibeau and a slew of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00am at Liberty Covenant Church, 4075 US-19E, Burnsville, NC 28714 with Final Internment on Friday January 24, 2025, at 11:00am at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Liberty Covenant Church.
Our family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for your sympathy in our time of grief. We are comforted knowing our parents are together again and in the Arms of the Lord.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com
