Bernard Dean Kells

KELLS,
BERNARD DEAN, 88
Ocala - Bernard Dean Kells, who always went by 'Dean,' died peacefully on September 14, 2015. Dean was born May 23, 1927, to Ray and Ruth Kells, in Russell, Iowa. Eight years later, he welcomed a baby sister, Shirley (Halleen, Sioux Falls, SD). The family moved to Gainesville, Florida, mostly to help relieve Dean's childhood asthma, and then relocated to Powell, Wyoming, where Dean graduated from high school as student body president. He enlisted in the army in 1944 and served as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne division in World War II, stationed in Japan.
Upon his return, Dean decided to take advantage of the G.I. bill and traveled via motorcycle to DeLand, Florida, where he received a Music Education degree from Stetson University in 1957. That same year, he married Mary Ross Anderson and began a lifelong career in education with his first job as the band director at Lake Weir High School in Weirsdale, Florida, where he and Mary started their family. After receiving his Masters from Stetson University, Dean became principal of Weirsdale Elementary School. Then, in 1967, he moved the family to Gainesville, FL, so he could pursue another advanced degree-Specialist in Education from the University of Florida-which would allow him to gain access to county level jobs. He began as Curriculum Director of Marion County Schools in Ocala, Florida, in 1968, and eventually enjoyed a long career as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. He marshalled many important new programs through the Marion County Schools, including full integration, state testing, and computerization, always with compassion and an astute perception of the possible ramifications for students, families, and staff.
Throughout these years, Dean and Mary were very active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Ocala, Florida, where they had an especially big impact on youth. Dean was the director of the Youth Choirs, and he and Mary directed the Youth Group for many years. Dean was also an Elder in the church and often used his quiet, faith-based gifts to guide important programs such as stewardship.
Upon retiring from the Marion County Schools in 1986, Dean was not nearly done with work. Before long, he and Mary became co-directors of the Presbyterian Church's Montgomery Conference Center in Keystone Heights, Florida. Together, they helped the center expand significantly before Dean retired for a second time.
After a brief return to Ocala, Dean and Mary purchased 'The Glass House,' a bed and breakfast in Montreat, North Carolina, that allowed them to provide affordable lodging during the summers to Presbyterian groups coming to the Montreat Conference Center. Dean and Mary enjoyed this opportunity until 2008 when they moved to Highland Farms in Black Mountain.
Throughout his life, Dean enjoyed music, traveling (especially to Ireland), frequent family reunions with the 'Kells Kousins,' and finding opportunities to quietly and generously help the less fortunate. During the past few years, he was a member of Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church.
Besides wife, Mary and sister Shirley, other surviving family members include son Ross, married to Michelle (Edgewood, NM) and daughter Deanne (Black Mountain, NC); grandsons Jacob Kells (Sonoma, CA) and Bruce Wallace (Winston-Salem, NC); granddaughters Risha Kells Broom, married to Prell (Lake Jackson, TX), Hallee Kells (Albuquerque, NM), and Kellsi Wallace (San Diego, CA); and great-granddaughters Bailey and Anna Michelle Broom.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Harwood Home for Funerals. www.harwoodhomeforfunerals.com