Michael Dean Gooch

Michael Dean Gooch, 59, of Dunn, NC, passed away suddenlyof a heart attack on May 16, 2023, soon after Mother's Day. Hewas born on November 26, 1963, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He attended and graduated from Apex High School, Apex, NC, in1981. He lived in Durham and Raleigh before settling in Dunn.Michael was a kind, caring and gentle man who loved all aspects ofnature. His passions included photography, astronomy, and the ocean. Heespecially loved spending time with his pets and going for long walks with them. Oneof his favorite times in recent years was experiencing the solar eclipse in Sumter, SC,where he was able to use his photography skills to capture magnificent photos.Michael was an Industrial Piping Pipefitter and was employed by Newcomb andCompany, Raleigh, for over 21 years, where he was highly regarded by his employerand co-workers. He was known for his hard work ethic, field knowledge, adaptability,and, most of all, how well he worked with others. Michael is survived by his loving mother, Elke Neumann Watkins and stepfather, Ron Watkins, of Louisburg; his father, Robert E. Gooch and stepmother,Brenda Gooch of Swansboro; his son, Michael Tanner Gooch of Selma; and his cousin Andrea Blaum and her husband Olaf of Asbach, Germany.

He also left behind his loyal dog "Bootsie".

Creamation was done by City of Oaks Funeral Home and Cremation of Raleigh, NC