Arthur “Dean” Blount, 79, was born September 10, 1947, in Tampa, Florida, and passed away October 19, 2026. Dean made his home in Sylacauga, Alabama, and leaves behind a life marked by steady work, quiet courage, and a wit that revealed itself most warmly once you had the privilege of truly knowing him.
Dean served in Vietnam in the U.S. Air Force, proud of his service, and the kind of man who would have considered it an honor to serve again. He enjoyed being a strawberry farmer and a truck driver in Florida in his early career. That same sense of duty from his military service carried into the work he did as he made his home in Alabama: as a Reserve Deputy, in dispatch for the Sylacauga Police Department, and as Trustee Supervisor for the Talladega County Sheriff's Department, where he served until retirement. In every role, Dean’s strength showed not in loud words, but in dependable presence and the way he looked out for others. He cared about the well-being of people in his charge, often bearing witness to those trustees under his supervision, hoping to plant a seed that might grow into something better in their hearts.
Above all, Dean cherished his wife of 26 years, whom he met in his tenure as a reserve deputy during a drug bust in Coosa County. He won Reida’s heart with his gentleman’s manners and kindness. He loved his family in Florida, treasuring visits with them and the regular phone calls they would share. He desperately wanted to spend more time with his Florida family, but as his health began to decline, he was heartbroken knowing he was unable to attend his grandchildren’s events and celebrations. He loved being together for the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the simple gift of gathering meant everything. As an only child, he held close ties not only to family by birth, but also to his extended family and in-laws, valuing those bonds with a deep and faithful heart.
Dean enjoyed baseball, thrilled that his grandson, Bubba Blount, loved to play the sport. Dean so enjoyed the video clips shared of Bubba’s games via the phone. An enthusiastic football fan, he cheered for the Florida Gators and Alabama, so long as Alabama wasn’t up against the Gators, and he also followed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was an avid reader, always content with a good book close at hand. He tried fishing, though it rarely rewarded him, and he could laugh at that with the dry humor so many came to love. He was re-introduced to camping in Alabama by Jon Hall and took to it wholeheartedly, often camping at Wind Creek with a group of friends, the Smiths, the Wells, and the Nix family. Around the campsite, Dean was in his element: grilling, sitting by the fire, and sharing stories.
Faith and fellowship were central to Dean’s life. He was a member of Marble City Baptist Church in Sylacauga and later Newsite Baptist Church in Rockford. He sang bass in a gospel quartet at Marble City Baptist Church and loved Christian music, especially the Gaither Vocal Band. He also enjoyed the Newsite Baptist Church men’s breakfast every second Wednesday of the month. Dean was a member of American Legion Post 45 in Sylacauga.
Those who cared for Dean came to know his spirit well; the nurses who looked after him lovingly called him “Mean Dean,” a nickname that carried affection more than anything else, an acknowledgment of his toughness, his humor, and the way he could make people smile even in hard moments. A big man with a gentle soft spot, Dean’s love for his small lap dogs, Nickers and Buddy, was a tender contrast that said so much about him. Their quiet companionship suited him, and he suited them.
Dean is survived by his wife, Reida Hodges Blount; his children, Jason Blount (Jennifer), Heather Riley (Billy), Deanna Brewer (Ryan), Krysta Figga, Skyler T. Blount (Gabby), and Riley T. Blount (Abby); and eight grandchildren, with one on the way, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Verna Blount.
Visitation will be held on October 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. with the funeral service to follow at Newsite Baptist Church, Coosa Co Rd 56, Rockford, AL 35136, on October 24, 2026, at 11:00 am.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in Dean’s honor and memory to Newsite Baptist Church, 3104 Coosa County Rd 56, Rockford, Alabama 35136.
