G. Dean Sullivan, loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, has passed away after a courageous 2 1/2 year battle with cancer on June 8, 2021. He
leaves behind his high school sweetheart and bride of 57 years, Mary Ann, a son, Scott Sullivan of Crestview, and a daughter, Deana Griner (Bryan) of Birmingham Alabama. He was blessed with five precious grandchildren, Erin Sullivan Kraeft (Kyle) of Tallahassee, Fl., Emily Medford and fiancé Noah of Clarksville, Tn., Travis Sullivan of Tallahassee, Fl., Allison Sullivan of Tallahassee, Fl., and Lauren Medford of Pensacola, Fl.
He leaves behind two brothers and two sisters, Wayne Sullivan (Judy) of Navarre Fl, Gary Sullivan (Kris) of Savanna, Georgia, Melba Hayden (John) of Daytona Beach, Fl and Debbie Powell (Mark) of Ocala, Fl.
He was born on September 12, 1945, to Thomas Anderson Sullivan and Mabel Sullivan in Valdosta, Georgia. He grew up in Panama City, Florida.
Dean was accepted to the Florida Highway Patrol in 1968 and retired with the rank of major in 1995, after 27 years of service. He traveled the state in different assignments. He served as a Special Response Team Commander in Tampa and in Ft. Pierce. During his Tampa assignment, his team was directed to Miami during the Liberty City riots, during which his vehicle was struck by a single bullet, but there were no injuries. He was passionate about his career as a state trooper and felt blessed by all of the people, places, and opportunities that came along with it.
After retiring from the Highway Patrol, he and his bride settled in Crestview, Florida. He joined the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in January of 1996 and became the first school resource officer of Crestview High School. It was during this time that he felt he made his greatest contribution. He retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 2007.
After his retirement from the Sheriff’s Office, he and his bride, Mary Ann, did what they had always dreamed of doing, and bought a motor home and traveled. They traveled all over the United States and enjoyed all the different places they visited, but mostly they enjoyed just being together.
Dean had a heart for Christ and his Church. As his career moved him from various places, his first priority was to always find a Church home. He served in various areas as well as Volunteer Youth Director, Sunday School Director, Sunday School Teacher and Deacon. He participated in many plays and banquets and served on various Church committees. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Crestview Fl.
A time of visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Crestview on Friday, June 11, 2021 from 10:00-11:00am with the funeral service starting at 11:00am.Burial will follow at Liveoak Park Memorial Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com
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