Alvin Earl Dean, Sr., 87, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2025. Alvin was born on June 21, 1937, in Mannford, Oklahoma. He was a 1955 graduate of Pawnee High School and later graduated from The George Washington University with an AA in General Studies, BS in Business, and MS in Industrial Management.
Alvin was in the U.S. Navy for 21 years from 1956 to 1977 serving in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba following the Bay of Pigs and in several aircraft squadrons some aboard the USS Bennington, USS Independence, and USS Forrestal: advancing to Master Chief Petty Officer, Chief Warrant Officer 3, and retiring as a Lieutenant Aviation Maintenance Officer. From 1977 to 2003 Alvin worked as a defense contractor as an Acquisition Program Manager, assisting the U.S. Navy in procuring aircraft and weapons systems.
A member of Bayside Lodge 218 AF&AM, Alvin served as Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Royal Patron for the Order of the Amaranth, and Grand Royal Patron, Order of the Amaranth in Virginia. For several years he enjoyed dancing with local square and round dance clubs. Alvin was a member of the Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Anna Ogle Dean of 63 years; their only child, Alvin E. Dean, Jr. in December 2012; his parents, Willy Ray Dean and Bertie Mable Best Dean; his sister, Peggy Joyce Dean Brooks; half-sisters, Jessie Zimmerman, Della Howell, Edith Roberts; half-brother, Cleland Rose, his twin brother, Calvin Merle Dean of Riverside, California; sister, Willie Rae Dean Byrom of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; and half-sisters, Dee Schmidt of Beaverton, Oregon and Allene Thompson of Phoenix, Arizona.
Left to cherish his memory is his beloved former daughter-in-law, Joan Dean of Virginia Beach; two precious granddaughters, Kristen Dean and Nancy Dean of Virginia Beach; and other loving family members and precious friends.
Shirley White and Al were engaged in June of 2023 after decades of friendship. Widows falling in love later in life.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, 4889 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the funeral home with entombment to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. Both services will be conducted by Reverend Beth Anderson, Senior Pastor of Courthouse Community United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach. A reception will be held at Courthouse Community United Methodist Church following the entombment at Rosewood Memorial Park.
You may offer condolences to the family at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Courthouse Community United Methodist Church, 2708 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
