Dean, William

William “Willie” Dean, a cherished pillar of the Pearisburg community and a beloved family man, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, just two days shy of his 90th birthday. Born on July 17, 1934, in the rolling hills of Virginia, Willie’s life was a testament to his strength, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones.

A lifelong resident of Virginia, Willie spent his final moments in Pearisburg, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes he so dearly loved. His life was marked by the deep bonds he forged with his family, who remember him as a guiding light and a source of unfaltering support. Willie’s legacy lives on through his son, Darrell Dean (Hazel Fitzgerald), and his daughter, Teresa Austin (George), as well as his beloved grandchildren Kendra, Dyonna, Alexis, Shanika, and Devin, and numerous great-grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy. Willie’s absence will also be profoundly felt by his sister-in-law, Thelma Dean.

Willie was a man who knew the value of hard work and perseverance. His journey as a truck driver for C&S Oil was a source of pride, a career that saw him traveling the roads he knew so well, and later, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to become a successful business owner. Willie’s work ethic was not just a means to an end but a passion that he embraced wholeheartedly.

Despite his busy schedule, Willie always found time for the simpler pleasures in life. He was a familiar face at Hardee’s, where he would meet with friends each morning, sharing stories and laughter over a cup of coffee. Occasionally, he would treat himself to a visit to Dairy Queen, where he indulged in the sweet taste of life’s simple joys.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Dean Sr. and Fannie Milton Dean; the mother of his children, Lillian Dean; his long-term companion, Dorine Merrix; his daughter, Rebecca Dean, son, Stanley Dean; brothers, George Dean Jr., Jessie Dean, and Bernard Dean; and sisters, Annabelle Parks, Mary Thornton, and Betty Chapman, as well as his brothers-in-law, Robert Thornton and Melvin Chapman.

Willie’s life was a beautiful mosaic of moments shared with family and friends, of roads traveled, and of dreams realized. His memory will be cherished and honored by all who were fortunate enough to know him. As we bid farewell to Willie, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a man well-loved.

The family will receive friends in a time of visitation on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Kendall Funeral Home. A homegoing celebration will be conducted on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Reverend Marcus Turner officiating in the Chapel of Kendall Funeral Home. Funeral services will conclude at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg, Virginia where he will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Dean family.