Dean Wilkerson

Ray “Dean” Wilkerson, 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on February 2, 2023, in Dallas, Texas. Dean was born in Odessa, Texas on May 9, 1947, to Jessie Lee and Basil Wilkerson. While growing up, he excelled in a variety of sports and was an active member of First Christian Church of Odessa. After graduating from Odessa High School, Dean attended Texas Christian University on a football scholarship where he studied business and received both a BBA and an MBA.

Immediately after graduating from TCU, Dean began a career in the savings and loan industry. In 1972 he joined Dallas Federal Savings and Loan where he was elected Vice President in 1978. Dean later served as Regional Vice President of Bright Banc Savings Association until 1988 when his entrepreneurial spirit lead him to form his own company, D & B Communications, a private payphone business. As an active member of the payphone industry, he served as the President of the Texas Payphone Association. In 2008, Dean founded Reliant Metro Carbonation, a division of a family-owned business, Reliant Holdings. Dean enjoyed working and more so, loved that he had an opportunity to provide employment for so many people.

Dean met Carol Madeley on a blind date, and they were married seven months later in Houston, Texas. Together they raised three children: Reed, Ryan, and Braden. Family meant the world to Dean, and he loved his dearly. Dean showed up in life. He jumped at the opportunity to coach his children's teams including flag football, baseball, and softball. He made it a point to be present at every theatre performance and dance recital. When he wasn’t coaching or attending a performance, he was helping with homework and providing life advice. A man of integrity and humility, Dean was truly tough as nails, had a heart of gold, and was generous beyond measure.

As an active member of his community, Dean freely shared his talents. He was a devoted member of University Christian Church where he served on numerous committees and was an Elder for over 40 years. While living in Benbrook, he was active on the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem for several years. He was active with the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA and was instrumental in the creation and building of the Community Center. Dean also served as a board member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Tarrant County. As a TCU football letterman, he was a proud lifetime member of the TCU Athletic Block T Association and a forever fan of TCU athletics. Dean was always the life of the party, loved to dance, and never met a stranger.

Dean is preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Lee and Basil Wilkerson, and his step-father, Fred Vanderburg.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Carol, and his children Reed, Ryan and wife Mollie, and Braden. Siblings: Glenn Wilkerson and Dana Kervin, Jan and Tom Nelson, Steve and Cathy Wilkerson. Step-siblings: Joy Rice, Gay Nann and Dennis Kuempel, Judy Cambern, Freddie and Sandy Vanderburg. Sisters-in-law: Karen Wilkerson and David Jupp, Candace and Teb Thames, Paula and Terry Drennan, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, dear friends and his beloved pups, Max and Hilde. Dean will forever be loved and missed.

A memorial service honoring Dean’s life will be held Thursday, February 9th at 10:00 am at University Christian Church in Fort Worth with a reception to follow at Colonial Country Club.

For those desiring, memorials may be given in lieu of flowers to the Wilkerson Family Endowment at University Christian Church. 2720 South University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76109