Waitus Dean Bedenbaugh, Sr.

The world became dimmer on May 29, 2025, with the passing of Waitus “Dean” Bedenbaugh, Sr. Born on January 23, 1955, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Wilbur and Margarete Bedenbaugh, Dean was truly larger than life. With his charismatic personality, exciting—sometimes exaggerated—stories, and magnanimous spirit, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Though a proud longtime resident of Leesville, Dean grew up in Batesburg, back before the big merge into B-L, and graduated from Batesburg-Leesville High School. He went on to study business at the University of South Carolina, becoming a lifelong Gamecock fan—so loyal that he sat through the 1998 and 1999 seasons when the team went 1–21.

Dean built a long and successful career in computer technology, retiring as a Senior Interface Engineer from Lexington Medical Center after over 26 years of service. (This, apparently, is very different from “just being in IT,” as his children often described it.) In the ’90s, this meant his kids were the fastest typists in their classes—and also that all hell broke loose if someone picked up the phone while he was “dialed in.”

Dean and his lifelong love, Dee, began their relationship as kids and were together for over 55 years—just shy of their 49th wedding anniversary. He was a devoted father to Bethany and Waitus Jr., “Boo.” Passing down both his stubbornness and love of sports, Dean could be found throughout the ’90s coaching or cheering from the sidelines as his children participated—though didn’t always excel—in various sports. He faithfully attended every dance, voice, and piano recital, never acting surprised that his kids didn’t seem to improve much over the years. As a grandfather to Kaiden, Addy, and Peyton, Dean delighted in introducing them to the outdoors and to every type of equipment or vehicle—no matter how much too young they were to be using it.

Dean was a proud older brother to Jerry and David and relished being in charge. A true people person, if there was something to join, somewhere to go, or someone to meet, Dean was there. He joined everything from church groups to hunting clubs, raced motorcycles, played in a band, served on a rec volleyball team, golfed, and hunted—basically anything someone mentioned on a whim.

He was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, eventually promoting himself from the back row to much closer to the front. Dean greatly valued his relationship with the Lord and with his church family. He was also deeply committed to the Masonic fraternity. A Master Mason at Batesburg-Leesville Lodge No. 138 since 2011, he served as an officer for five years and as Worshipful Master in 2017. He was also active in the York Rite and Scottish Rite, where he became a 32nd Degree Mason and served as Secretary for the Knights of Saint Andrews.

A man of many ambitions and nearly as many talents, Dean was a classic 99%-project completer. He spent countless hours tinkering with vehicles, renovating the family home, and learning new recipes. He loved trying out the latest technology, tool, gadget, or grill—few things made him happier than grilling a piece of meat far too large for the occasion.

Dean fancied himself an outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, or even just playing games on his phone while sitting on the porch. He presented as a manly man with all his tools, camo, and beat-up truck—but could often be found watching Judge Judy or enjoying a little Riverdance with his spoiled cats.

Dean was predeceased by his parents, Wilbur “Bill” and Margarete Bedenbaugh, and by his beloved son, Waitus “Boo” Bedenbaugh. He is survived by his devoted wife, Denise “Dee” Hoover Bedenbaugh; his witty daughter, Bethany Bedenbaugh Miles (and her most specialist friend, Travis Hyslop); and his strong, talented grandchildren, Kaiden Bedenbaugh, Addison Miles, and Peyton Miles. He is also survived by his “almost-grandchildren” Camryn and Lincoln Hyslop.

An avid dog lover, he leaves behind their loyal pup, Sissy Missy; his grand-dogs, Heartworm Jerry and Earl the Patriarch; and the largest cats known to man—Goldie, Precious, and the apex predator herself, Calliope “Callie” Patches Hyslop-Miles.

Dean was treasured by so many—family and friends, old and new—and will be deeply and truly missed.

A memorial service to celebrate Dean’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, at St. John’s Global Methodist Church with Pastor Scott Nurse officiating. A private burial will follow.