James “Mack” Dean, age 87, of Toccoa, formerly of Mt. Airy, passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Born on August 12, 1937, in Corinth, Mississippi, he was a son of the late Frank Dean and Delia Collins Dean. Mack served in the National Guard for 20 years and later retired from Schnadig Corp. after 34 years of service. Being a very knowledgeable person, he could fix almost anything. He was a mechanic and a craftsman who enjoyed working on his cars and woodworking, among other things. For many years, he has been an active member of Cornelia Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and an elder, Sunday School teacher, bus driver, and at church camp. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, football, and especially spending time with his grandkids. In later years, he also enjoyed calling and singing Happy Birthday to family and friends. Mack will be remembered as a constant encourager who did not complain about his problems. Recently, since moving to the Wilkinson Center, he would attach a mobile speaker to his walker and play Gospel music while he walked up and down the halls, visiting with and praying for other residents.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Sarah Ann Duncan Dean.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Lisa & Jim Thomas; grandchildren and spouses, Shelley Akerman (Thomas), Joshua Goodbar (Hannah), and Kylie Ware (Austin); great-grandchildren, Annabelle Goodbar, Jonah Goodbar, and Beckham Ware; brother and sister-in-law, Dan Dean (Barbara).
Memorial services are 4 pm on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Cornelia Christian Church with Ministers Rick Cox and Greg Miller officiating.
A private interment will be held at Harvest Christian Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cornelia Christian Church, 1244 U.S. Highway 441 N, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.
However, any floral arrangements should be delivered to Cornelia Christian Church by 3:30 pm on Monday.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
