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Dr. Hakeem M. Abdul-Karim was born to Omar and Merrea Abdul-Karim on July 25, 1973 in Hampton, Virginia, and departed this life on July 21, 2015. Dr. Hakeem M. Abdul-Karim, a prominent Dentist, is best remembered as a scholar, philanthropist, visionary, humanitarian, teacher, mentor, and most importantly a caring son, brother, father, husband, uncle, nephew and friend. For all who knew Dr. Hakeem Abdul-Karim well, they affectionately knew him as “Doc”. If you ever encountered Hakeem, you would immediately be taken by his infectious smile, his calm demeanor, and of course his desire to uplift his fellow man. Hakeem epitomized the essence of true Manhood and had an innate talent for connecting with young people, particularly those who had a desire to be a professional. He was an inspiration to everyone he touched. In 1995, Dr. Abdul-Karim was united in marriage to Ms. Jacqueline Jones Abdul-Karim of Enfield, NC. From that union they were blessed with two awesome children, Hakeem and Sekani both of Winterville, NC. Growing up in Rocky Mount, NC, Dr. Abdul-Karim attended Edgecombe County public schools until he transferred to Halifax County school system for high school. Dr. Abdul-Karim received his BS degree in biology from East Carolina University in 1995 and went on to accomplish his doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) from UNC- Chapel Hill in 1999. Shortly afterwards, Dr. Abdul-Karim went to Bronx, New York where he acquired heavy surgical training and became certified in hospital dentistry while working at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. During his transition from student to doctor, Dr. Abdul-Karim worked in several health care facilities throughout North Carolina and several correctional and mental institutions across the state. He was gifted and knowledgeable with specialized training and experience in treating the medically compromised, as well as severely mentally challenged patients. Dr. Abdul-Karim practiced general dentistry encompassing the entire spectrum of specialties in his practice; restorative (fillings), Limited endodontics (root canal) prosthodontics (False teeth), cosmetic dentistry (whitening/veneers) and limited orthodontics (tooth movement). He was the owner of Contemporary Dental in Winterville NC. While Dr. Abdul-Karim was the consummate professional and devoted his life to his family and his profession, he was also committed to an active civic life. He was a charter member of Omicron Gamma Sigma graduate chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. He was the past President of the Old North State Dental Society, he provided volunteer services on the Colgate Bus offering free dental services for children, he volunteered with Pitt County Head Start, and was an active member of the NC Dental Society. His life was devoted to service, oftentimes above self! Dr. Abdul-Karim, like many men of prominence had many passions. He was committed to fitness, health and wellness. He was athletic and enjoyed playing basketball, participating in marathons and extreme sport activities. Dr. Abdul-Karim was an avid reader, had a great eye for fine art, enjoyed photography, was an artist in his own right and held a visceral love for history. Of all of Dr. Abdul-Karim’s accolades and accomplishments, he may be best characterized as a man of God; for he was a God fearing man who loved the Lord. Dr. Abdul-Karim was a Deacon at St. Paul's Missionary Baptist Church in Oak City, NC where he taught Sunday School and was very active with youth in the community and the ministry. Dr. Abdul-Karim is survived by his wife, Jacqueline J. Abdul-Karim; son, Hakeem Ibn M. Abdul-Karim; daughter, Sekani Ameen Abdul-Karim; his father and mother, Omar and Merrea Abdul-Karim; three loving brothers, Omar, Rahman (Serafina) and Jameel; mother-in-law, Annie Jones; five sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be truly missed by all….

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Dr. Hakeem Abdul-Karim

July 25, 1973 - July 21, 2015