Claude Everett Dean, Sr.

Claude Everett Dean, Sr, of Ridgeland, SC, husband of Beatrice Malphrus Dean, died peacefully Thursday, September 15, 2016 while surrounded by family at Coastal Carolina Hospital, Hardeeville, SC. He had joked a few weeks earlier that the Brave’s performance this year had a strong effect on his will to live and we all assume he is now relieved that he will not have to pick between Trump or Clinton.

Mr. Dean was born August 27th, 1922 to the late J. Lee Dean and Gladys Archer Dean and was raised on Main Street in Ridgeland, SC. He was a proud patriot and local historian, a great lover of the Low Country and often commented how he “lived in the best place in the whole country.’ He was a lifelong member of Ridgeland Baptist Church and attended the Men’s Sunday School Class. A man of strong faith, he did not preach or tell others what a good Christian should or must do, he taught us by the way he lived his life, a full life of laughter, love, service and fellowship. He had been chairman of the Jasper County Aeronautics Commission since 1970 and a licensed private pilot since 1947. He was a local businessman and a former county tax assessor but was probably best known for his 44 years of service with the local airport. He served as the Airport Manager of what was called “Claude Dean Field” thanks to a sign hung by his renegade airport following before the new airport would officially be named “Ridgeland - Claude Dean Airport” by the county.

A US Navy Veteran of World War II, Mr. Dean served on the USS Macomb in the Atlantic, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Theaters. “The Mac” was one of the first U.S. ships to enter Tokyo Bay, participated in the escorting of President Roosevelt to North Africa and received the Navy Unit Commendation for outstanding heroism. Mr. Dean returned to his beloved Low Country in September 1945.

Mr. Dean is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beatrice of Ridgeland, SC; his son, Richard L. Dean of Ridgeland, SC; two grandchildren, Laura A. Dean and Michael R. Dean (Jennifer) of Mint Hill, NC and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Claude, Jr., brother, J. Alton Dean and sister, Beverly Dean Morrison.

A Funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at Ridgeland Baptist Church, 1448 Grays Hwy, Ridgeland, SC. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until the hour of the service at the church. Burial will follow at Ridgeland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Morris Center for Low Country Heritage in honor of Claude Dean. PO Box 1116, Ridgeland, SC, 29936.