William Garland Dean Jr.

William Garland Dean, Jr, 88, of Madison and Huntsville, Alabama passed away peacefully at Loving Spaces on February 14th, 2025, joining his bride Gayla Merle Fossett in eternal life, 71 years to the day after their first date at the Scottsboro High School Valentine's Day dance.
Bill lived every day of his beautiful life in unwavering faith, sharing deep, actionable empathy, compassion, wisdom, and love. Bill grew up in a loving home, with wonderful parents, William Sr, and Minnie Lee Austin and his adored younger brother, Bob. Bill was an energetic worker on the family dairy farm, curious student, trumpet player in the band, halfback on the football team, and president of his high school class.
Bill went on to the University of Alabama, and graduate studies at the University of Virginia. He began his career as an aerospace engineer in Newport News, VA, including projects at Langley Research Center, then went to Johnson Space Center in Houston, followed by 25 years developing various NASA ventures at Lockheed Missiles & Space Company in Huntsville, where he led teams on, and held patents for, significant advancements in the space program. After retirement, Bill created DATCO, an entrepreneurial endeavor for public and private contracts.
Bill was merciful, kind, and generous with all those fortunate enough to know him, and even those who didn't. So many benefited from his lifelong commitment to good works everywhere, including with his church, Faith Chapel, where he was an elder, and engaged in and supported missionary work to lift-up and encourage a wide range of communities. Most of all, he gave unconditional love and guidance to his four children, Pam Pitcher, Albuquerque, NM, Bridget Dean (predeceased), Kimberly Dean, Largo, FL, and Steve Dean, Madison; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; in-laws; cousins; nieces and nephews, all of whom are forever inspired by this gem of a man.
The family is grateful to his dear caregivers who, on that final Friday, circled around him to sing hymns. As Papa Dean consistently reminded us: God is good. All the time.
A graveside service, officiated by Faith Chapel's pastors Hank and Teressa Mays, will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Scottsboro, AL.