Obituary

We are heartbroken to announce that Joseph (Joe) Heinrich Dietz, died May 8, 2023 as the result of a house fire at his residence in San Clemente, CA. He was 37 years old.

Joseph was a 2004 graduate of Morristown Hamblen High School West, where he was an honors student and standout athlete: in college, he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at UTK and went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, earning a degree in finance.

He launched a successful career as a mortgage broker in Orange County, CA in 2019 and thrived both personally and professionally in that region until his passing.

He is preceded in death by his father Erich Dietz of Talbott, TN, grandparents Ralph and Anne Charles of Morristown, TN, Heinrich and Rosine Dietz of Heidelberg, Germany and brother Mike Dietz of Talbott, TN.

He is survived by the love of his life, his fiancé Begum Sezer, MD of Los Angeles, CA; mother Dianne Dietz of Talbott, TN , fur baby Piper Dietz of San Clemente, CA, sisters Whitney Dixon-Mason (Shane) of Morristown, TN, Allison Giles (Randy) of Dandridge, TN and Doris Bishop of Jefferson City, TN. Brothers Rick Dietz (Linda) and Ronnie Dietz of Talbott, TN; nieces Davy Anne Ray of Knoxville, TN, Inge Brimer (Jonathan) of Talbott, TN, Jessica Bell Dietz (Shant) of Greenville, SC and Heidi Knieper of Jefferson City, TN. Nephews Dawson Ray of Knoxville, TN, Michael Dietz of Tullahoma, TN, Colby Dietz of Talbott, TN, Tanner Dietz of Talbott, TN; great niece Stella Brimer of Talbott, TN, great nephews Tate and Hudson Cantrell of Talbott, TN and aunt Alice Westmoreland of Knoxville, TN.

Joe was surrounded by the most amazing group of people through his AA community. These friends were paramount in his success in recovery and have been wrapping their arms around his family during this terrible time. They are our heroes.

To Joe’s neighbors in Richmond Pointe-you’re all angels on earth. Your swift response to this tragedy is appreciated more than you’ll ever know. You have carried us with your faith, love and kindness.

A memorial service will be held at the T Street Beach in San Clemente, CA on May 14 at 6pm for anyone who loved Joe to attend. A graveside service is to follow at Jarnigan Cemetery in Morristown, TN on a later date to be announced.

Joe loved the beach, animals and mentoring his fellow addicts in recovery. In lieu of flowers, gifts or food, we ask you make a charitable donation to any of the follow organizations:

https://www.aa.org/

https://petprojectfoundation.org/

https://www.friendshipshelter.org/support

https://www.surfrider.org/?form=donate&hsCtaTracking=411aef39-3379-474c-a46f-4c38285964a6%7Ccd287dc7-cfb6-481a-84ef-5b4f5e9d46d3

Joe lived in the present moment and found joy in the little things, lived every day fully, and loved unconditionally and completely. He brought light and happiness and brought Begum back from darkness and their deep love changed both of their lives forever.