Dean Elliott Case

He was born in Little Valley, NY, and graduated from Little Valley Central High School in 1962. In 1966, he earned his B.S. in Industrial Arts, Auto Mechanics, and Driver’s Ed from Buffalo State University, and his M.S. in Psychology from St. Bonaventure. He was also A.S.E. certified in many areas. A lifelong learner, Dean continued his education at the College of William & Mary, and various training seminars.

Dean was also a lifelong teacher, having taught Industrial Arts in Limestone, NY; Auto Mechanics, first at Rappahannock Community College in Glenns, VA, and then at Lafayette High School in James City County; and Driver’s Education for Williamsburg-James City County. From 1996 to 2006, he also owned and operated Case’s Driving School.

Over the course of his 35 years of teaching, Dean received many awards and accolades, including Faculty Emeritus at Lafayette High School, and “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” five times. In 2000, he retired from WJCC Schools because he wasn’t expected to survive chemotherapy.

Dean, Case, Caseman, DD - whatever name you knew him by - was a mentor and “father” to thousands of students who loved him and remained in contact with him throughout his life.

He is survived by the love of his life and soul mate of nearly 43 years, Betty M. (aka “Miss Betty”) Case; his daughters, Heather Case Brand (Abel) of Richmond, VA, and Chris Morton of East Stroudsburg, PA; two sons, Dean J. Case II, and George Case; sister, Iva Burks (Ed) of Port Angeles, WA; nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His parents, J. Elliott Case and Sarah Jane Case, preceded him in death.

Dean was known for his wicked sense of humor, quick comebacks, unique way of viewing the world, and the creative nicknames he gave every person he knew. He always told people, “Friends have nicknames. Enemies have descriptions.”

His passion was building race engines for all kinds of racing. He was a fierce competitor at tracks all over Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Maryland, and West Virginia. Over his storied career, his race engines won 197 races and 15 track championships. He took pride in watching racers achieve their first win, and always raced on a limited budget. He loved his Engine Shop at his home in Charles City County, and continued to hold “Auto Shop” there until his death. He always told people, “I’d rather wear out than rust out.”

Services will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg on Sunday, December 19 with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM and a service following at 3:00 PM. MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL ATTENDING.

By his request, Dean's ashes will be mixed with those of Betty upon her passing, and some of those ashes will be spread on the grave of his beloved grandfather, Dean J. Case, in Little Valley, NY.

As Dean hated funeral flowers, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory instead be made to Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23185, www.heritagehumane.org.