Collis Dean Jr., beloved husband, dad and grandfather (“PawPaw”), left this earth to be with Our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.

Collis married the love of his life, Joan McClure 61 years ago this month. They had two daughters Denise Sullivan (deceased) and Terri Andrews (of Charlotte). Collis and Joan didn’t stop parenting there, though. They were actively involved grandparents of Chris (deceased), Jennifer and Joshua Sullivan and Allie Andrews (all of Charlotte). But wait…there’s more, Collis and Joan also played an active role in the upbringing of their great grandchildren. Joan continues in her role as loving great-grandmother (“MawMaw”) to this day.

In addition to being a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Collis was retired from Ryerson Steel and from the U.S. Air Force where he served our country for more than 20 years, before retiring as Technical Sergeant. His commitment to his country took him around the world and provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for him and his family as they lived in Spain, California, Texas and Hawaii – not your ordinary family life, but one that provided memories for a lifetime.

Collis enjoyed fishing, cooking a solid family meal and an occasional ice-cold beer. But by far, his greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed nothing more than supporting them quietly as they pursued their various passions and enjoyed life.

When asked to describe Collis, his children, grandchildren and others consistently use the word “hero”, not only for his service to our country, but because of the critical role he played in each of their lives.

Collis was preceded in death by his beloved mother Jesse Mae Parker, brother John Henry Dean and grandson Chris. He is succeeded by his precious Joan, his daughter Terri (husband: Clay), his grandson Josh, granddaughters Jenny (husband: Danny), and Allie, and his great grandchildren Christian, Haven and Baylee.

A celebration of Collis’ life will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, September 17 at Cornerstone Family Worship (709 Rankin Avenue in Mount Holly, NC). Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 2:00, prior to the service, also at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly.