Donald Edward Dean Jr., 68, of Marston, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Oct. 10 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 13, 1957 in Charleston, West Virginia, to Donald E. Dean Sr. and Ruby Ann Martin King.
He grew up in Mantiqua, California, until 1973 when he moved to Lauringburg. He attended and graduated from Scotland High School (Class of 1975) where he met his high school sweetheart, Lorelei Walker (Natchez, Mississippi). They were married on Oct. 21, 1979. Of that marriage, they welcomed two daughters, Jessica Lynn (1984) and Brittany Leigh (1989) whom he adored. They both survive of the home.
He was preceded in death by John S. Dean (grandfather), Clora Mae Dean (grandmother), Donald E Dean Sr. (father), Ruby Ann King (mother), Marjorie C. Dean (stepmother), Jerry A Dean (uncle), and Linda S. Marino (aunt).
He is survived by an aunt, Ruth A. Breedlove of Ocala, Florida; sister, Lucinda Dean of Rockingham; brothers, Craig Dean of Ocala, Florida, Curtis (Tammy) of Laurinburg, John (Tina) of Lake Marion, South Carolina. He leaves behind a daughter in law, Jennefer, who was his caregiver and his confidante. A special mention to a young man who stole Dad’s heart, Karson (Tanky-Butt). He also leaves behind a host of friends and family he thought of fondly.
Donald was an avid sports fan, from baseball to softball, golf, football, etc. He loved being on the baseball field whether it was playing, coaching or umpiring. He was a die-hard fan of the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, Dallas Cowboys, Scotland and Vanguard High School and, unfortunately, the Florida State Seminoles (per his Gator-loving daughters).
Having spent many years in Ocala, he was well known in the sports community. He played baseball for Manteca High School, Scotland High School, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Sandhills Community College and Campbell University.
All services will be held privately by the family.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
