Dr. John Wey Van Duyn

1942 - 2026

Dr. John Wey Van Duyn Creedmoor - Dr. John Wey Van Duyn, 83, of Creedmoor NC passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026, amongst family. John was born in Trenton, NJ on May 18, 1942, the son of Abram and Ruth Van Duyn, both deceased, and preceded in death by his brother Roy Samuel Van Duyn. A scientist, scholar, mentor, and NCSU Professor, John was a resident of and a servant to North Carolina for over 50 years.

John was an Emeritus Professor of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University and held the Phillip Morris Professorship (established to recognize outstanding faculty achievement in research and extension) until his retirement. He retired after 38 years of service at the Vernon James Center in Plymouth, NC where, along with members of the Black Land Farm Managers Association, he advocated for the need, funding, and establishment of the Vernon James Center to be co-located at the Tidewater Research Station (which came to fruition with the sponsorship of then legislator, Vernon James). A NC resident for 55 years, he served the agricultural community in Extension and Research in North Carolina mentoring numerous graduate students who went on to serve in Agriculture in both industry and academia, making the world a better place. Until his long-time secretary retired, he was fond of saying he had only had one wife, one secretary and one technician for his whole tenure. John was a patient man, an amazing father, and a mentor to his community.

During his tenure, Dr Van Duyn's work reflected a deep commitment to the field of entomology and a dedication to sustainable agriculture. His work significantly impacted the development of effective and sustainable arthropod management systems tailored to Mid-Atlantic crops. Dr. Van Duyn's research interests included insect resistance management and integrated pest management. He was known for his innovative approach to pest management. His contributions to the field of agricultural entomology laid the groundwork for future advancements in pest management and sustainable agriculture. He was recognized by the Entomological Society of America with the Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension and with the Recognition Award of the SE branch of ESA for significant contributions to agriculture.

Doc (as he was often called) was an avid fisherman and lover of the outdoors whose passing will perhaps allow local fish populations to replenish. His job interview at NCSU lauded the beauty and fishing in eastern North Carolina as a hiring enticement. He was also a long-time student of chorale music with a beautiful and unique tenor voice. From his teen years in Jacksonville, FL; through his college years at the University of Florida where he sang in the University Choir, Men's Glee Club, and Mixed Choir (where he met his wife of 58 years, Gwen); and then to Edenton, NC where he was a member of St Paul's Choir for 50 years and a member of The Albemarle Chorale, choral music was an important part of his life.

He is survived by his wife Gwen; sons Wynn (Aleshia), Gerret (Tammy), and Jason (Meredith); granddaughters Hannah, Sarah, Lillian, and Katherine; sister Rhelda Van Duyn Losco and brother William Bayles Van Duyn as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews

Funeral services celebrating John's life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, January 30th at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Edenton NC. The family will greet friends with a reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the funeral service. John will be laid to rest in Mandarin Cemetery, 12107 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL following a family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Albemarle Chorale c/o Vonna O'Neil, 305 N. Broad Street, Edenton, NC 27932 or St. Paul's Episcopal Church music program at 101 West Gale Street, Edenton, NC 27932.

Please visit www.brightfunerals.com to share words of comfort to the family.

Bright Funeral Home is serving the Van Duyn family.