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DEANS HORACE L. DEANS Horace Lorenzo "Lee" Deans, 88, a native of Churchland, died suddenly on May 17, 2011, and will be missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Erma Saunders Deans, and his father, Horace Lee Deans. He is survived by his sister Mary Way of Virginia Beach, VA, his children and grandchildren. Horace grew up in the farmlands of the tidewater, becoming an avid hunter and woodsman at an early age. After graduating from Churchland High School, he attended the University of Richmond before working at Nansamond Army Ammunition Depot. He answered his country's call during World War II, serving in the US Army Ordnance Technical Intelligence in Europe. Following the war, he was Chief Ammunition Inspector with US 8th Army and Japan Logistical Command. Horace was a Safety Engineer with the Army Material Command and in 1982 he retired as a Safety Engineer with the Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board, Washington, DC. For his 40 years career, he was awarded the Defense Meritorious Civil Service Metal. Horace always said that he was doubly blessed to have loved and been loved by two wonderful women. Mary Hulbert Deans, the mother of his children, preceded him in death in 1998. In 2000, Horace returned to Churchland to marry his high school sweetheart, Jacquie Bland McCready Deans. They enjoyed almost ten years together before her death in 2009. Horace leaves behind three children, and eight grandchildren. His son, Parke Lee Deans, and his wife Margaret Sorensen Deans, of Abingdon, VA, and their children, Carole Margaret Deans of Deep Gap, NC, and Ruth Saunders Deans of Charlotte, NC remember "Grampi's" thoughtful prayers, and his love of the outdoors. His daughter, Susan Deans Riesett Morgan, of Lexington, NC, and her children, Patrick Thomas Riesett of Charlotte, NC, Chadwick Jay Riesett of Boone, NC and Stephanie Abbigail Riesett of Lexington, NC remember Grampi for his interest in their activities and accomplishments. His daughter, Virginia Hulbert Deans Richardson, and her husband Ronald Lee Richardson, of Conyers, GA and their children, Nicole Lee Richardson of Laurinburg, NC, Joseph Deans Richardson, and Eric Ronald Richardson of Conyers, GA will miss all the stories, poems and songs that Grampi shared with them. Horace influenced many young people, in addition to his children and grandchildren, through his work as a BSA Scoutmaster for 15 years, a loyal, hardworking member of the Kiwanis Club, and a member of various Veteran's organizations. Special thanks to the many family and friends who surrounded Horace in his later years including Rennie Richardson, Jay Richardson and family, Kathy Richardson Shore and family, and Bill Richardson and family, Eddie Russell and family, Nina Randolph and family, Edna Addison and Henry Hamilton, Ann and Bryant Barnes, and Bobbie McCready Parrish. The committal and memorial service for Horace Deans will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 20, 2011 at Churchland Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Lawrence Coleman and Dr. Dan Koger officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Churchland Baptist Church or Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve. Loving Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be submitted at www.lovingfuneralhome.com
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To the Deans Family:
Edna Addison
Henry Hamilton
Please know that you have love and prayers on your behalf. Thanks for all you did for Mr. Deans
Martha Ford Evans Jackson
May 31, 2011
I was saddened to learn of Lee's death in an article in the Hampton newspaper on May 25. I dated Sue in college and was very fond of Lee and Mary. Lee once gave me a discourse on the perils of driving too fast on rainy roads. I was to always remember that my car would hydroplane if I drove too quickly rain-soaked roads. I never have forgotten his admonishment! My sympathy to your family at this difficult time. May the good Lord guide and sustain you in the days to come. Sincerely, Russ Gentry
May 25, 2011
We are so very sorry to learn of "Brother's" death. In recent years he was very faithful in writing to my aunt, Liz Jones, almost weekly. We so enjoyed being with him when he visited her in Richmond. He was a wonderful and dedicated friend and family member and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this time.
Eddie Lacy
May 22, 2011
This is sent with my deepest sympathy and prayers for the loss of your father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by the many friends he has made in the Portsmouth YMCA Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program. May God be with you and give you the strength to make it through this difficult time.
Russell Frazier
May 20, 2011
Virgina, Ron, Joseph, Eric and Nicole,
We are sad to hear that your Dad and Grandfather will no longer be here to humor us and keep us on our toes. We know that he was proud of each of you and if Kyle and Joseph make their way to Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve, Mr. Dean will be looking over their shoulders. Much love to you and your extended family, The Geise Family
Debbie Fair-Geise
May 19, 2011
Parke, Margaret, Carole and Ruth,
We were so sorry to learn of Mr. Deans' passing. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family during this very difficult time in your lives. May you feel God's presence like never before.
Buddy and Betty Jo Carrier
May 19, 2011
Parke, Margaret, Carole and Ruth,
I'm so sorry to learn of the passing of Horace. I'm so sorry I will be unable to travel to be with you all during this most difficult time. Please know you all are in my prayers, love and thoughts.
Charlene Phelps
May 19, 2011
You will be missed!
John Drew
May 19, 2011
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know of our deepest sympathy and that of Ministers of Music all over the state. Be assured that Parke and the rest of your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers as you go through these difficult days. May God grant you a special dose of the peace and comfort that only He can give and may He hold you close in the palm of His hand.
Tom Ingram
May 19, 2011
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