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He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Rondal (a twin to Rendal) and Billy.
He is survived by a daughter, Candy, and husband Kevin Bright and granddaughter, Alexis of San Antonio, TX; stepson, Mark and wife Kristi Tucker and grandsons Cameron and Logan of Franklinton, NC; brothers, Tom and wife Bonnie Phillips of College Corner, Ind., J.C. and wife Lorene Phillips of Richmond, Ind., Rendal and wife Jackie Phillips of Eastover, NC; sisters, Erma and husband Mick Richardson of College Corner, Ind., Della and husband Walter Harper of Stedman, NC, Nancy and husband Ernest Szymkowiak of Fayetteville, NC; and many nieces and nephews.
Dean attended Stoney Fork Elementary School until his family moved to College Corner, where he graduated from Union High School in 1972. He joined the U.S. Army, serving four years. He received several awards, one as a marksman for his unit, and a letter of commendation for exceptional performance of duty. He was honorably discharged on November 17, 1976.
Dean was a disabled veteran, who enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his brother Billy. He was an avid fan of NASCAR racing, always pulling for No. 28 no matter who was driving. He enjoyed bluegrass music and attending bluegrass jams with his brother Rendal. Dean enjoyed having dinner at his sister Della’s, always bragging on her cooking and dinner being on time. Dean was the baby of the family until his younger sister Nancy was born. His older sibling always teased him about having to look out for him when he was a boy; Dean did the same for Nancy, walking her to and from school. Dean enjoyed talking with his brothers Tom and J.C. regularly, sharing mountain memories. His older sister Erma was always there to listen and encourage him.
Dean loved his Savior, Christ Jesus. For many years he preached as an evangelist and he was willing to share his testimony, especially to young people. Dean studied the Bible and could provide wise counsel. Dean was enjoyed by anyone who knew him and will be missed by many, especially his family.
Services were held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Stedman Baptist Church, Stedman, N.C. with Dr. Phil Spears, a long-time minister to the family, officiating. Dean was laid to rest in a family plot in Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Salemburg, NC.
Paid Obituary