William Olen Dean, Sr., aka “Billy” or “Poppy”, of White Hall, died Wednesday, February 1, 2017.
He was born May 13, 1939 in Murfreesboro, son of Harley Dean and Marie Gardner Dean Gilleylen.
Billy was reared and received his early education in Delight, Arkansas.
He worked for many years in the White Hall School District, retiring as a maintenance supervisor.
In his younger years, Billy won many awards competing in horse shows throughout Arkansas. When his children were growing up, Mr. Dean was a fixture coaching and mentoring children in basketball, softball and baseball. He also was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time with his children and grandchildren regardless of the occasion. He was a member of Central Baptist Church.
Mr. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bobby Dean; and sister, Peggy Dean.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Ann Oakley, whom he married October 27, 1956; his children Bill Dean & Becky Dean Thomas both of White Hall; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Brad Sneed officiating. Graveside services followed at the Saline Cemetery near Delight. Visitation was Friday at Cranford Funeral Home in White Hall.
Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, PO Box 20336, White Hall, Arkansas 71612-0336 or Hospice Angels, 3801 Camden Road, Chapel Village 1, Suite 12, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603.
Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.
