Dallas Locklear, Jr.

Dallas Locklear Jr., 93, peacefully passed away on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at his residence in Johnson City, Tennessee, with his beloved wife by his side.

Born November 16, 1931, in Pembroke, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Dallas Locklear and Cora Lee "Carly" Jacobs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dallas Kermit Locklear III; sister, Sarah Watson; and brother, Bobby Hunt.

Dallas was a dedicated, determined, and hard-working man with true grit and an unshakable zest for life. Growing up in the rural cotton fields of Robeson County, he began working the land as a young boy, hand-plowing fields, often with the help of a mule team. On Saturdays, it was tradition to walk into town, and during one such trip to downtown Pembroke, he was inspired by World War II recruitment posters. At just 14 years and 8 months old, he entered the U.S. Army recruitment office and enlisted on August 15, 1946. He served honorably for over three years, deploying to Japan during the WWII occupation and earning multiple medals before joining the U.S. Air Force.

Dallas went on to have a decorated military career. Trained as a paratrooper with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team "Rakkasans," he made multiple combat jumps, including the historic first at Sunchon and Sukchon, North Korea, on October 20, 1950, during the Korean War. He later served with the 82nd Airborne Division and continued his service through the Vietnam War before retiring from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant at the remarkable age of 32.

Following his military career, Dallas earned a Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science in Construction Management, and Master of Science in Engineering Technology with a minor in Operations; an impressive academic pursuit that led him into a long and impactful career in civil engineering.

In 1966, Dallas joined the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command in South Vietnam as a Quality Control Manager. That was the first of many civilian assignments that took him across the world, including Germany, Iran, France, Libya, Japan, Guam, Panama, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, North and South Korea, Canada, and countless cities across the United States. He was multilingual, once fluent in German, Farsi, Japanese, and Vietnamese.
Stateside, he served as a Quality Control Manager for Carolina Power and Light Company, The Southern Company (Southern Railway), H.K. Ferguson Co., Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines, and First American, before joining the State of California.

From 1990 to 2011, Dallas made Southern California home. He was especially proud of his work as Chief Quality Control Manager overseeing the construction of the Chula Vista Veterans Home in San Diego; an accomplishment he held close to his heart. After the project's completion in 2000, he attempted retirement, relocating to the warm, sun-filled Coachella Valley. Yet, his work boots never stayed off for long; he continued consulting on major state projects, including at University of California, Northridge, and Cal State San Bernardino, while cherishing weekends with family and friends.

A decade later, Dallas tried his hand at retirement once more; this time settling in the Tri-Cities of Tennessee, where he fell in love with his cabin in the woods of Gray. He delighted in watching wildlife from his porch, reconnecting with family, and forming new friendships. A long standing proud member of the Elks Lodge, he joined the Johnson City Chapter 825, where he volunteered regularly, became a karaoke favorite, a Wednesday night staple and shared laughter and camaraderie with "The Three Caballeros," a trio of close friends.

Dallas was a self-made, bootstrap kind of man; driven by a love of learning, a gift for problem-solving, and a deep sense of purpose and drive. He often said he'd "die with his work boots on," and nearly did. His final project took him on a road trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula during the winter of 2023. At age 91, he finally decided it was time to retire for good.

Charismatic and full of stories, Dallas loved entertaining, sharing tales of adventure, singing songs, facilitating gatherings, and hosting bourbon tastings with friends.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Juliette Movsessian; his children, Pamala Huber, Moncelle Locklear, and Don Locklear; and four generations of descendants who will continue his legacy: grandchildren Alexia Locklear, Melody Huber, Ashleigh Huber, Jessica Franklin, Erica Huber, Corey Locklear, Brandon Locklear, and Ashley Locklear; great-grandchildren Brianna, Emily, Daimiyan, Qassidie, Chloe, Reily, Bently, Aiden, Remington, and Zeva; and great-great-grandchildren Rhettlee and Hollis. He is also survived by his sisters Alma Hunt-Finley and Betty Campbell, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, November 10, 2025, in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, with Mr. Louie Blevins officiating and a eulogy by his granddaughter, Alexia Locklear. The family will receive friends from 12:00pm until the service hour.
Interment with Military Honors will follow at 2:00 PM at Mountain Home National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Avenue, Mountain Home. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

Immediately following a repast gathering will take place at the Elks Lodge, 208 N Boone St. Johnson City, TN 37604.

In lieu of flowers, Dallas requested donations be made in his name to the Veterans of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina at www.lumbeetribe.com.
Condolences may be shared online at www.wadugger.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, TN. (423) 928-2245.

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