Thomas Layton Dupree, 92, died Friday, November 29, 2024, at the ECU Inpatient Hospice House with his daughters by his side. Born in Angier, NC (Harnett County) the son of the late Dorsey Bernard Dupree and Mallie Ennis Dupree. He was one of four siblings who preceded him in death. In 1953, he joined the Army and served until 1955. Upon his return, he married Mary Lynn Smith on November 17, 1956. They had three children, Tammy, Barry, and Heather.

Over his career, he worked as a farmer, FCX salesman, EMT, postal worker, and then found his lifetime career as an independent insurance agent. He owned his own business, Dupree Insurance Agency, traveling across NC and contiguous states. He continued to work as an independent insurance agent until the age of 80. During his lifetime, he was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Masons, and Gideons. He also served as a deacon and a choir member at church.

He loved black coffee and good food, often traveling within and outside of NC, specifically to the NC mountains. He loved to eat and often planned trips based on the local restaurants along the way. He loved working in the yard, mowing and tending to his trees and plants. He was well respected by family, friends, and clients. He was well known around Angier for his quick wit and love of a good joke. He was a social butterfly who never met a stranger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorsey Bernard Dupree and Mallie Ennis Dupree; sisters, Patsy O’Neal and Evelyn O’Neal; brother, Wilburn Dupree; wife of 47 years, Mary Lynn Smith Dupree; and son, Barry Sherman Dupree. He is survived by his daughters, Tammy Richelle Ferebee of Greenville, NC and Heather Dawn Dupree Marler and husband, Ronald “Mark” of Newton Grove, NC.

Services will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 300 East McIver Street, Angier, NC on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, beginning with visitation at 12pm, followed by service at 1pm. The burial will take place at Lakeside Memorial Gardens, 2712 Oak Grove Church Road, Angier, NC at 2pm.

Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.