George T. Dean

George T Dean, 89, of Milligan, FL, passed away on August 29, 2021, after a hard-fought battle with COPD, at North Okaloosa Medical Center, Crestview, FL.

He was born in Walton County, FL, on May 2, 1932, son of James Perry and Mary Lou Dean. He is survived by 2 brothers, 1 sister, 2 sons, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

As with many farming families, George, the second of twelve children, participated in the family business during his childhood.  After graduating from Kinston High School, he joined the U.S. Navy in May 1951 in which he served onboard the USS Nicholas (DDE-449) during the Korean Conflict.

After being medically retired from the Navy, he worked several jobs from New Mexico to Florida to North Carolina before settling in on a career with Fleming Lumber Company in Milligan, FL. He worked various jobs with the company being a “Jack of All Trades” (from laborer to electrician to truck driver to foreman). His career allowed him to work outside (he hated working inside) and reduced the boredom of doing the same thing every day. One day he would be running the stacker, another day he’d be doing electrical work in new work areas, and even making a few overnight trips pulling a 40-foot trailer full of wood shavings. At 62 years of age, he retired as a millwright.

Following retirement, he spent his time meeting people, fishing, and helping others before being diagnosed with COPD in 2010. He will be remembered mostly for his never tiring desire to lend a helping hand. He accumulated numerous tools (both mental and physical) during his life and was always willing to share this knowledge with anyone within ear shot. He will be greatly missed.

Viewing will be held at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral home in Crestview, FL, on September 3, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Graveside service will be held at Rhoades Cemetery in Kinston, AL, on September 4, 2021, at 10:00 AM.

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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