Dr. Darrell Lee Dean

Dr. Darrell Lee Dean, age 82, of Rome, GA, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in the comfort of his home.

Dr. Dean was born in Franklin County, OH, on August 29, 1941, son of the late Rev. Kenneth Harold Dean and the late Dora Maxine (Clark) Dean. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Later in life, he earned a Master of Public Health at Emory University. He served as a Captain, General Medical Officer for the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

He loved to serve and help people, so he spent his life providing compassionate medical care, always giving his best to his patients. Before moving to Rome, he practiced primary care medicine in the Atlanta area. He worked for the Georgia Department of Public Health as a District Director in Northwest Georgia followed by many years of service at Floyd Medical Center in Rome. Later in his career, he worked for Senior Medical Systems.

Dr. Dean served his community and his medical field in numerous ways. He was a founding member of the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth, a past president of the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, and a past president of the Georgia Osteopathic Medical Association. He was a member of One Community United and volunteered with the Rome Free Clinic.

Dr. Dean loved his family. He married Linda Crawley on May 21, 1977, and they moved to Rome in 1987. He enjoyed playing tennis and running, and he loved music, most recently singing in the choir at Rome First United Methodist Church. He and his family shared a passion for musical theatre and could often be found onstage, backstage, or in the audience for many shows. He also loved watching the Georgia Bulldogs and Darlington Tigers play football.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Dean, of Rome. Survivors also include a son, Darrell Dean II (Leonora), Flower Mound, TX; a daughter, Lauren Dean, Orlando, FL; two grandchildren, Alexandrea Hadsall and Alyssa Daniel (Benja); two great-grandchildren, Lilly Hadsall and Lainey Daniel; a sister, Bonnie Slagle; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service to celebrate his amazing life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 4pm in the sanctuary of Rome First United Methodist Church with Reverend Tim Galloway and Pastor Keith Howell officiating. There will be a visitation for friends and family from 2PM - 4PM at the church.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful friends, caregivers, nurses, and doctors who cared for Darrell when his health declined. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to the Rome-Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth, Rome First United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.

Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, South Chapel, is honored to make this announcement for the Dean family.