William F Dean

Anyone who has known William (Bill) Dean would say he is memorable. Bill marched to his own drummer, but he always enjoyed life. Growing up in Bessemer, Alabama he had many adventures in a family of 6 kids. He attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University) and majored in Animal Husbandry. After running out of money for school, he joined the Army and spent the Korean War years in Texas working on radio. When he finished, he returned and graduated from Auburn. He was a lifelong fan of any and every thing Auburn.

His career was multifaceted. He worked at the State Farm Regional Office in Birmingham, was a high school teacher, a dairyman, sold and serviced dairy equipment and supplies, ran Bill’s Shell, and finished his career with 30 years as a State Farm agent in Leeds. During his State Farm agent years, he was an avid and proficient golfer. In retirement, he became an Alabama Master Gardener and loved gardening and sharing his knowledge with others.

While working at the Regional Office he met and married a co-worker, Barbara Ann Lowery. They spent 63 years together and produced 5 children, William Jr. (Terri), Deanna Giles (Joel), Donna Standridge (Daniel), Robert (Cari) and Diane, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He lovingly cared for Barbara in her final years before she passed away in 2020.

He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and his beloved church family at Calvary Baptist Church in Odenville.

As his family says good-bye, we will remember what Bill always said, “When I die, don’t stand around my grave crying. Say that he had a great life and a good time while he was here.”

Services will be held on Monday, May 10 at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds, Alabama. Visitation will be 10-11 with service to follow at 11:00. Burial will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

The family suggests that Bill would love for those who attend to wear orange and blue.