In the early hours of Friday, December 22nd, the Dean family faced an unexpected loss as our cherished patriarch, Guy Earnest Dean Jr, fondly known as "E.J.," was suddenly called to join God’s army and passed on to the embrace of our Heavenly Father.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Demoville “Ann” Dean and grandmother Ethel Stagner Foster, and grandfather WWII Navy Veteran John Rogers Foster.

He is survived by his wife Barbara Dean with her children and grandchildren; his father Guy Earnest Dean Sr; brother Stan Dean; his sister Jody Slagley and brother in law Gayle Slagley; and his daughter Crystal Lynne Dean. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews: Aaron Blackmon, wife Tiffany and child; Eli Blackman, Ashlie Hickman and husband Chad; Brandon Slagley, wife Lindsey and children; Christopher Slagley and wife Lacey and children.

His legacy extends to his loving wife of nearly 20 years to Barbara Huckaba Dean; being a loving and proud father to his daughter Crystal Lynne Dean as well as to step-daughter Christy Sasser, son-in-law Justin Sasser and their children Kennedy Bullard and Cooper Sasser; and step-son Shane Turner.

E.J. was well loved by an extended family of his many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and church family that remember him fondly as having a big heart, making them laugh, and being a kind, genorous friend always helping others.

Born on August 18, 1959, in Greenville, AL; Earnest Dean Jr. attended Fort Dale Academy and was baptized at First Baptist Church where his mother was a Sunday school teacher and grandmother in the choir. He graduated in 1977 with a scholarship to George C Wallace Community College and later went to University of Central Florida.

His daughter, Crystal Lynne Dean, was born in 1980, and E.J. devoted his entire life to being a loving and caring father never missing a birthday or holiday. She remembers him always with a smile when she walked in the door, a bear hug, and saying “I love you” with every goodbye.

A Navy Veteran since 1982, E.J. served on submarines, and often sharing vibrant memories of his time stationed in Hawaii to his family.

After moving to Covington County in 1997, E.J. not only managed the family business, Cash and Carry, but also is remembered by his friendly smile he almost always had on, his generosity, and compassion for animals—especially cats and dogs. His multifaceted interests included coaching softball, a passion for tennis, golf and playing as a musician in his church band or singing and playing guitar with his daughter Crystal in jam sessions.

A skilled athlete, he excelled in tennis competitions in both Alabama and Florida well into his late 30s and continued to play matches and golf tournaments at 64.

In 2005, he married Barbara Huckaba, embracing his role as a father figure and helping hand to his step-daughter Christy Sasser, her husband Justin Sasser, and his step-son, Shane Turner. Lovingly known as "Poppi” by Christy and Justin’s children, Kennedy Bullard and Cooper Sasser, he cherished them as his own grandchildren and actively participated in their daily lives, enjoyed teaching them sports from golf to tennis to softball; and was often known as a mentor to not only them but their close friends as a coach. He spent most of his free time with them outdoors or attending every major event, game, or awards ceremony they had.

E.J. was a committed Christian, and a senior leader in his local church and community. He was actively involved with the Praise Team playing bass alongside his grandchildren in the church band creating memories that will never be forgotten. He found joy in studying the Bible  or reading positive motivationals quietly on his porch at dawn with a cup of coffee and surrounded by the nature of his yard. He loved bringing his rock-n-roll spirit and voice to his favorite Christian songs with his collection of guitars.

The family finds comfort knowing that E.J. was confident in his belief and faith, and is now reunited and restored with his mother, grandmother and loved ones in the heavenly embrace of Jesus and the angels.

The Dean family will forever treasure memories of E.J.'s loving heart, warm hugs, infectious smile, leadership, strength, kindness, words of wisdom, dedication to family, and the positive influence he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He will be missed immensely.

Visitation to the public will be on Tuesday December 26, 2023 Foreman Brown Funeral Home at 6:00pm in Andalusia, AL

The funeral and eulogy tribute will be First Baptist Church in Greenville, AL on Wednesday December 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

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