Committal
Born December 6, 1960, Dean was a lifelong resident of Burke County. He served his country with distinction in the United States Army before beginning a respected and dedicated career in law enforcement. He began his service with Morganton Public Safety and later joined the Burke County Sheriffs Department where he served as a valued member of the Burke County Sheriffs Narcotics Task Force. His work in that unit reflected his commitment to justice and protecting those most vulnerable. He would go on to retire with the rank of Captaina title earned through years of steady leadership and tireless dedication.
Dean is survived by his wife, Karen Lowman Hennessee, with whom he shared a life of love, partnership, and enduring devotion. He was a proud and loving father to their three children: Kasey Maria Hennessee, Jessica Elise Hennessee, and Carl Dean Hennessee, III. His family was his greatest pride and his role as husband and father was the one he cherished most.
He is also survived by his mother, Juliana Hennessee, two sisters: Linda Hennessee Melton and husband Larry Melton and Judy Hennessee Cooper and husband Eben Cooper. Dean was a cherished uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Those who knew Dean will remember him as a man of quiet dignity, deep integrity, and steadfast service. Whether in uniform or at home, he led by example and lived a life grounded in loyalty, strength, and compassion. His presence will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Oak Hill UMC MPAC Center on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 3:00 pm for family and friends to share in Deans final roll call with visitation immediately following the service.
Military Honors will be provided by the NC National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Visitation
June 24, 2025
3:45 p.m.
Oak Hill UMC
Service
June 24, 2025
3 p.m.
Oak Hill UMC
Committal
N/A
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Carl “Dean” Hennessee, Jr..
Dear Linda and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. Love you
Dear Karen and family, Eddie and I send our prayers and love, asking God for comfort for each of you.
Karen and family, you are all in our prayers for comfort. His obituary so well honored him and his life of service; we are thankful to have known him as part of our family. We love you all very much!
So sorry for your loss. Dean was a great co-worker and friend. He will be greatly missed.
I am sorry for your Loss Linda 😞
I am very saddened to hear of Dean's passing. He was a fine man in every way. He was a true friend and will be missed by many.
Deano was a great person and friend. I'm so saddened by his leaving but know him and Hard are looking down us and laughing.. To Karen and the kids I am so sorry for your loss. He was one of the best of us.