Rufus Elmer Dean, Jr., age 92, of Gainesville, Georgia, died Sunday, February 28, 2016 with his wife by his side. During his final days he was surrounded by family and friends he had touched in some small way.
A Celebration of Life service will be at Lakewood Baptist Church, Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Dr. Tom Smiley, Dr. Jerry Gill and Rev. Don Ormsbee will officiate. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 pm Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel.
Mr. Dean was born on August 12, 1923 in Corinth, MS to the late Rufus Elmer Dean, Sr. and Essie Pearl Dean. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was on a ship for 27 month. He loved Lakewood Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School Teacher to the Believers Class until his health declined.
Rufus was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and James Boodle Crabb, and four dear friends, Don Barham, Dennis Griffin, Dan McGill and Bo Smith.
He leaves behind his wife, best friend and love of his life, Edwina Dean, daughter, Suzanne Dean Hill, Ardmore, AL; Edwina’s son and wife, Terry and Melissa Mitchell, two special granddaughters, Rachael Mitchell, Ardmore, TN and Alesha And Scott Slater, Shepherdsville, KY; Nephew, Jimmy (Sara) Crabb, Cincinnati, OH and nieces, Cindy (Joe) Legrand, FL and Sandra Crabb, Cincinnati, OH.
Rufus was blessed to have such loving friends that cared deeply for him. You have been our family and we thank each one of you.
The family would like to thank the dear friends at Morningside of Gainesville (his home away from hone) and Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice for all the care you gave so lovingly.
In lieu of flowers you can honor Rufus with a donation to Lakewood Baptist Church or an organization of your choice.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or for those who desire online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
