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Johnnie Umphlet Obituary

Johnnie E. Umphlet, Jr.
Greenville
Johnnie E. Umphlet, Jr., 45, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church.
Johnnie was raised in Rocky Mount, NC, and graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1985. After graduating from East Carolina University with a Criminal Justice degree in 1989, he was employed with the Greenville Police Department, the NC Department of Probation/Parole, and the ECU Police Department.
In 1998, Johnnie became a Special Agent with the NC State Bureau of Investigation having served in the Northwestern and Northeastern Districts. While with the SBI, Johnnie became a Certified K-9 handler and was assigned his K-9 partner "Earl". They were part of the national ATF response team of arson investigators. He served on the statewide Special Response Tactical Team and assisted with instruction of law enforcement officers. In 2007, he advanced to Assistant Special Agent in Charge assigned to the Special Investigations Unit/Professional Standards Division.
In March 2009, Johnnie left the SBI to work as a Police Mentor assigned to the National Police Command Center with DynCorp International in Afghanistan. He became a Senior Compliance Investigator with DynCorp International representing their Compliance Organization throughout the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. He resided in Dubai and traveled into Afghanistan, Jordan, Kuwait, and Israel. During his career with DynCorp International, he was greatly affected by his experiences and they impacted his life and love of his family.
He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church having served as youth advisor and became an ordained Elder. In Dubai, he became an active member of the Fellowship of the Emirates Church. His faith remained strong and helped him face his life overseas during extended time away from family and friends. Johnnie was known for his instant friendship, kind heart, never ending smile, laughter, and tales of his adventures in law enforcement touching the lives of many people at home and abroad.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Chris Sessoms Umphlet and daughter, Kaitlyn of Greenville; parents Johnnie and Nancy Umphlet of Rocky Mount; sisters Debbie Bone and Rena Sherrod and their families of Rocky Mount; Parents in law Ron and Peggy Sessoms of Greenville; brother in law Ron Sessoms, Jr of Greenville. He also leaves behind Earl and Sampson, canine family members.
The family will receive friends Monday, March 19, 2012 from 5-8 pm at Wilkerson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association by going online to http://honor.americanheart.org/goto/johnnieumphletjr; The National K-9 Working Dog, Inc. online at http://www.nationalk-9work ingdog.org/donate ; or to First Presbyterian Church, Attn: Sacred Garden Columbarium 1400 South Elm Street Greenville, NC 27858.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Mar. 11 to Mar. 18, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie Umphlet

Sponsored by Chris and Kaitlyn Umphlet.

Not sure what to say?





Beth Morgan

October 27, 2017

Johnnie worked on the case of my niece's murder in 2000. He was so kind and helpful throughout the trial. Periodically I go online researching her murder. I was saddened to see that Johnnie had passed away. He was very respectful, professional and helpful throughout our horrible ordeal. May God hold you close. Sincerest regards,

Gwen

August 1, 2013

A friend is a friend forever...

Beth & Ray Lawrence

April 11, 2012

Debbie & Family, we are so very sorry for the loss of Johnny. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. God Bless you all.

Keith Sumitra

April 9, 2012

May his soul rest at peace.

Annalisa Paragas

March 24, 2012

Life does not begin with birth, nor does it end with death. Your memories will all be cherished by us (colleagues, friends and love ones). We thank you for your sweet spirit, good deeds and examples. We fervently pray for the safety of your family with the divine intervention of the Almighty God.

Michael Bester

March 22, 2012

I appreciate his service to our country and for being a fellow American here in DynCorp Dubai.

Thank You, Johnny for our conversations and for your dedication to making the United States safer for all of us.

Meldy Arienda

March 22, 2012

I just know Johnnie in the office here in Dubai and that he's a great person, a man of faith. To his family, be it known unto you that Johnnie's passing is just a beginning of a wonderful life in the eternity. Families can be together forever.

Sharon Noel

March 20, 2012

Your family is in my prayers.

RMSH c/o 1985

Stan Kittrell

March 20, 2012

My prayers are for Jesus to give peace, courage, and comfort to Chris, Kaitlyn, all the Sessoms and the Umphlets. Johnnie loved adventure, justice, his career and life, but the the focus of his life was his family. The love he has for Chris and Kaitlyn is awe inspiring. And Kaitlyn, when you start missing your Daddy, just feel the pulse in your wrist, because his blood is flowing through your veins right now. He will always be with you and he will never leave you. To Johnnie, I love you dude. Give Theresa a hug for me.

Tammy DuBrey

March 20, 2012

Dear Chris, You and your daughter will be in my prayers. I am so sorry for your lost. I remember when you two were first married and I am sure the years you spent together were great. May God keep those memories in your heart forever. An old friend from PCHD Tammy

Gene & Amelia Bland

March 20, 2012

We are so saddened by this news. Please know that you have our deepest sympathy and support. May God be with you and your family for we know that Johnnie, Jr. is now with Him.

Catherine Nelson

March 20, 2012

Chris, Kaitlyn, Peggy, and Ron: Joey, MC, Anna Blair and I are keeping you in our prayers. We are all so sorry for your loss.

Love, Catherine

March 19, 2012

Sending condolences from my family to yours.

Melanie Rountree
Rocky Mount, NC
RMSH c/o 1987

Alice Whitley

March 19, 2012

May God give each family member and friend strength, understanding, guidance, and peace, as only He can provide.
www.griefshare.org

Linda Byrum

March 19, 2012

Chris, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. You and the family will be in my prayers.

Hilda de Leon

March 19, 2012

I'm very, very sorry about this horrible tragedy that has come to your family. I know you are all very close and strong in your faith. I'm praying for his entire family and friends and most especially for Kaitlyn and Chris! I know it's hardest on them! It's very difficult to believe and I'm so, so sorry! May the times you had with him and the memories of his spirit comfort you!

Bren Whitford

March 19, 2012

Chris, know that you and Kaitlyn, as well as all members of the families that you share, are in my most solemn thoughts this morning, and have been since yesterday when I read this news. May God surround and comfort you in His embrace during this most unfathomable and difficult time you all are experiencing. Remember the good memories and special times you have shared over your lifetime together. Peace of the Lord be with you...

American Heart Association

March 18, 2012

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

March 18, 2012

Mr and Mrs Umphlet and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I got to be friends with Johnnie when he would come to his granparents Mr. and Mrs. Hicks. He was so sweet and full of life. May you find comfort in know that God has gotten another ANGEL. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers,
Daphne (Pridgen) Brewer.

March 18, 2012

Nancy & Johnnie, There are not words to say to ease your pain. Johnni was doing what he loved to do. God give you comfort and peace at this time. Our love and our prayers
are with you during this difficult time. We will not be able
to go for visitation. God bless and keep you near to HIM.
Love you, Earl & Hilda Honeycutt, Dunn, N. C.

Judith Fergerson

March 18, 2012

Chris know that we are praying for you and Kait each day. I worked with Johnnie at the SBI and the news brought sadness to us all here. Keep the faith that God will hold you up during this time of sorrow and will help you in your tomorrows.Know that Johnnie is with the Lord and watching you from above.

roger eaden

March 18, 2012

Johnnie and family, our prayers go out to you at the loss of yourson. many years have passed since we last saw you. Our sincere wishes to you and your family during your time of loss .Roger and Ellen Peaden Falkland NC

Linda Williford

March 13, 2012

Chris - Rick, Zach and I have been so saddened by Johnnie's passing. We are praying for you and Kait each day. May you find comfort through good friends and great memories. And may you be strengthened each day by God. We will continue praying for both of you.

Carla Brotherton

March 13, 2012

Chris and Kate...there are not enough words to express the sorrow we feel. Sharon and I just found out about Johnnie. Although we are filled with disbelief, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We pray that God's healing touch will be with you in the days ahead. With love and deepest sympathy..Carla Brotherton and Sharon Smith, Hickory N.C.

Peter

March 12, 2012

To Ed's family my condolences to you in your time of mourning.

Candice

March 12, 2012

To the Umphlet family: I am sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that your family will have comfort from God during this difficult time. Matt. 5:3

Julia Nelson

March 12, 2012

Dear Chris, words are not nearly enough to express the heartfelt sympathy that is coming to you and Kaitlyn from so many. Lifting you and the whole Sessoms family up in prayer and keeping you close in my thoughts.

Susan Banks

March 12, 2012

Words are not enough. Please know my family mourns with you and yet rejoice in knowing Johnnie is in the best place. He left his mark on all our hearts. Thank you for sharing him with us because we wouldn't have known him if it hadn't been for you, Chris. May God be your strength and carry you thru this time. Love to you both, Susan and John Banks

March 12, 2012

Chris, So sorry to hear about Johnnie. I can not imagine how difficult this time is for you, your daughter and your family. You will all be in our prayers and thoughts. Find the strength you need in God and know that he is in a good place and know in your heart that you will see Johnnie again one day. Kandyce and Tim Klugh (Greenville NC)

Jim and Linda Webre

March 12, 2012

Chris, So sorry for your loss this week. This is such a difficult time for you and your family. May you get your strength from God during this time. Johnnie was a great person and will be remembered for years to come.

Steve & Bernice Cherry

March 11, 2012

Chris,

We were so sorry to hear of Johnnie's passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

March 11, 2012

Chris I am so sorry to hear of Johnnie's passing. I tried to find you in the phone book to call you and couldn't locate you. Please know you are in my prayers and thoughts. Johnnie was a great guy.

Pamela Athey (Capoen)

James Mathis

March 11, 2012

Rest in peace he was a good man! I enjoyed being around him.

Shirley Smith

March 11, 2012

Johnny and family, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your son, Johnny,Jr. I haven't heard from you or the family in a long time. Mamie Wilson called me today and told me about it. Pleease know that you are in my prayers. I lost my youngest son on January first also to a massive heart attack and can relate to the heartbreak you are feeling. Just know that I am with you in spirit and in love. Your cousin, Shirley Smith

Todd Pitchford

March 11, 2012

Rest in Peace Brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this, their darkest days.
Until we meet again.

Eric McCue

March 11, 2012

I worked with Johnnie in Kabul. He was an outstanding person. May you Rest in Peace Brother and may God give your family strength during this difficult time.

Trina Calfee

March 11, 2012

Chris my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

faye carter(bb&t)

March 11, 2012

my prayers and thoughts are with the entire family. i met johnnie through my work and watched him grow from a young college kid into a man that any wife, child, mom or dad and of course his in-laws would be proud of. needless to say his passing came as a shock to all that knew him loved him. May GOD comfort you all at this time.

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