Dr. William L. Dean

Dr. William L. DeanSylacauga, AL - Funeral service for Dr. William L Dean, 85, will be Tuesday, October 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Sylacauga with Dr. Rick Patrick and Dr. Larry Morrison officiating.  He will lie in state at the church one hour prior to service time on Tuesday.Dr. Dean died Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Coosa Valley Medical Center.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Shirley M. Dean, parents Leroy and Ina Mae Dean and sister, JoAnn Latham.  He grew up in Brewton, AL and attended Howard College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  He received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary.  While serving as the 32nd pastor of First Baptist, he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Divinity by Mobile College.  He served on numerous boards and commissions in the Southern Baptist Convention, the Alabama Baptist State Convention and the Coosa River Baptist Association.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga where he served as pastor for 22 years.  He was recently honored at the First Baptist Church with the Pastor Emeritus award and celebration.  Dean also served the following churches during his ministry:  Smith Station Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Roanoke, Dixon Mill Baptist Church and Tallasahatchie Baptist Church in Alpine. He served as interim pastor for many local congregations.  He loved being part of his Sunday School Class.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He loved to travel and spend time with family, loved to garden and loved to reminisce about his adventures and experiences.  Bro. Bill received numerous honors and awards for his dedication and contributions to his community.  He is survived by his son, W.M. (Mac) Dean, wife Tulsa of Red Lodge, MT, daughters, Susan Mies, husband Jeff of Cold Spring, MN and Rebecca Portillo, husband Cris of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Sloane Wallis, Lane Wallis, Cris Portillo, II, Regan Mies, Alton Mies and Anson Mies and sister-in-law, Sue Akin of Bastrop, TX. Visitation will be Monday, October 26, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith Funeral Home.The family will accept flowers or contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church of Sylacauga for the Forward and Faith Building Fund.The family wants to thank the staffs of Spring Terrace Assisted Living for their excellent care, as well as family and friends who have provided love and support to Bro. Bill throughout the year.Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com.Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.