Jimmy Lee Dean

On Friday, May 24, 2024, Jimmy Lee Dean, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend went to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior.  He was 85 years young and lived in Moncks Corner, SC.

Jimmy was born in Madisonville, TX on September 6, 1938 to David Forrest and Gertrude Hoke Dean.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Christine; his daughter, Teresa; and his daughter-in-law, Patty Dean.

Jimmy, aka "Dad", "Poppa Bear", "Mr. Jimmy", and "Jimmy Go Get Em" enjoyed life to the fullest. He graduated from Sugar Land High School and quickly enlisted in the US Army.  Shortly thereafter, he switched gears to join the US Navy where he gave 20 years of his life to serve his country and then retire as a Senior Chief Torpedoman's Mate.  During his time on the sub he enjoyed boxing and handled himself quite well in the ring.  He also enjoyed volunteering his time to help children who were in need.  Upon retiring from the Navy, he began his career at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company where he eventually retired once and for all from the "workforce".  He earned degrees and received numerous awards, certificates, and accolades over his entire work history.  He held education in the utmost esteem, so much so that he was enrolled in online college and was to begin classes this coming June.  He loved learning, teaching, and trying different things.  He always pushed himself and others to be, and do, the absolute best and strive to be better.  Even though he worked full time and part time jobs, he always managed to make time for his family.  Poppa Bear took us swimming, fishing, crabbing, crawdad fishing, on many vacations, and to church every Sunday and Wednesday.  He and his precious wife owned a candy store in their home and later down the road a few antique stores.  At one time, he had all of the kids in our neighborhood convinced he was "Superman" and flew over everyone's house at night to protect them.  He worked part time at Domino's Pizza as a delivery driver and on a special occasion was allowed to bring his grandchildren in to make their own mini pizzas.  He enjoyed wood working, pouring/firing ceramics, going to auctions, yard sales, and the flea market.  He thoroughly enjoyed his days as a Sunday School teacher.  As the years passed, he would often hold Bible studies at home and invite his family and many others to join him.  Over the years he kept himself busy with his coin and stamp collections and reading his Bible daily as well as a variety of other books.  He was a disabled American Veteran and a proud member of the Republican National Committee.  His nightly routine consisted of a two hour regime for personal hygiene, faithfully using apple cider vinegar to remove his wrinkles.  His routine also included watching Hannity every evening during the week at 9:00pm.  Every morning he drank 2 tsp. of his concoction of apple cider vinegar, garlic, honey, and orange juice for multiple health benefits.  He loved his country, but most importantly he loved God, his family, his fur babies, and his friends deeply and fiercely. He fervently prayed for and over his family, friends, and complete strangers.  He wanted everyone he encountered to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and of course, to vote for Trump.  He strived for and taught peace, unity, and forgiveness.  His infectious smile and disposition would light up any room he walked into.  When you left his presence, you knew you were unconditionally loved, cared for, and prayed over.  His generous heart was always there to lend a helping hand no matter who or what the circumstance.  He was ALWAYS a giver and NEVER a taker.  His legacy will live on through his family and in the lives of those he touched along the way.

Surviving are his son, Jimmy Rex Dean of Columbia, SC; his daughter, Melanee Daniels and her husband, Ronnie of Moncks Corner, SC; his granddaughter/daughter, April Dean Davis of Matthews, NC; four granddaughters, Crissy Kolodziej and her husband Bobby of Moncks Corner, SC, LeeAnn Wise of Anderson, SC, Hannah Dean of Columbia, SC, and Rachel Buster of Goose Creek, SC; three grandsons, Ronnie Daniels of Summerville, SC, Matthew Dean of Orlando, FL, and Jeremy Dean of Columbia, SC; two sisters, Shirley Kroche of Rosenberg, TX and Betty Stone of Richmond, TX; two brothers, Joe Ben Dean and his wife, Rey of Rosenberg, TX and John Dale Dean of Madisonville, TX; twenty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and last but not least, his precious fur baby, Cinnamon.

The Burial will be held at 1:00pm on June 14, 2024 at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 with full Military Honors.  Please arrive no later than 12:30pm as the service will start promptly at 1:00pm and end at 1:20pm.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on June 15, 2024 at The Murray, 500 Lama Drive, Summerville, SC 29486. Please bring your wonderful memories, swim suits, towels, etc. to celebrate our amazing Poppa Bear and enjoy a cool dip in the pool following the ceremony!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, St. Jude's Hospital, and the American Heart Association.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, 843-553-1511.