Willie Alonzo Dean, Jr., 97, received his reward of eternal rest on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at Mainland Medical Center.
Willie was born to Willie A., Sr. and Eliza Holmes Dean on September 12, 1913. His early childhood was spent in Marlin, TX. and then he moved to Galveston, TX. He attended and graduated from Central High School. He served his country in the U S Navy in World War II. He returned to Galveston where he was a faithful member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he served faithful as a Sunday school teacher and Deacon. He was also a Master Mason, member of the Eastern Star and retired from the Maritime I.L.A..
He married Rubye L. Dean and from this union had two children, Patricia J. Dean and Willie A. (Bobby) Dean, III.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, wife, Rubye; and daughter, Patricia.
He leaves to cherish memory his son, Rev. Willie A. Dean, III and wife Joan of Vallejo, Ca.; grandsons, Willie Dean, IV of Clear View, TX, Reginald Dean of Geogia.
From his marriage to Rubye, he leaves nieces, Gwendolyn Robinson and Ester Johnson; nephew, Jacob Blanchette; great nieces, Donna and Debra Benson.
Visitation will begin at 10AM on Thursday, February 17, 2011, followed funeral service at 11:00 AM at Mount Olive Baptist Church with Pastor N.D. Burkley officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.