Final Salute

Billy Wayne Dean of Bean Station, TN, entered glory on October 31, 2025. He was 80 years old. Wayne was born to Ray and Mayble Dean on April 17, 1945, in Hawkins County, and was the third of eight siblings. He married Janice Livesay in 1968 and had two children, Beverly and Jerry.

Wayne was a proud Navy veteran and Seabee, amassing more than 20 years of service between active duty and reserves. He spent most of his life in Sneedville after his active duty ended, serving as the County Court Clerk for 28 years. It is no surprise to anyone who knew Wayne that his working life was marked by both national and public service, as his indelible passion for helping others never wavered. Wayne embodied working in all things as unto the glory of the Lord by his unrivaled ethic and perseverance.

Wayne made a profession of faith and was baptized as a young man and was a longtime member of Duck Creek Baptist Church for over 50 years. While he never sung in the choir, those who knew him best can close their eyes and still hear his rich, baritone voice joining in with the congregation or the radio. Gospel was his music of choice, and his distaste for other types of music was established by his oft repeated complaint that he “couldn’t stand that squalling.”

Wayne was a man of principle and was known for unwavering commitment to his convictions. He is remembered fondly as a quiet teacher of Christian character who wisely recognized that small, unassuming lessons in the garden and on the farm can add up to shape upstanding men and women, regardless of occupation. He was a thoughtful steward of God’s beautiful creation and had as green a thumb as could be found. Just as God charged Adam to tend the garden, it is obvious that God charged Wayne to tend one as well. He did so faithfully.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ray and Mayble, and his siblings, Jack, Don, Jerry, and Brenda and father-in-law & mother-in-law, Rev. Carl & Hannah Livesay.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janice, his children Beverly (Michael) Nelms and Jerry Dean, his grandchildren Brady (Emily) Nelms, Tristian Dean, Catherine Nelms, and Emily Dean, his great-granddaughters, Miriam and Naomi, brothers Larry, Roger, and Michael, several nieces and nephews and brother-in-law, H.C. (Glenda) Livesay

The family would like to recognize beloved friends Ashley (Tim) and Kyler Gibson who have felt more like family in the kindness they have shown both Wayne and Janice, selflessly helping the family countless times amidst Wayne’s declining health. The family would also like to thank all of Wayne’s caregivers.

Wayne will lie in state at Duck Creek Baptist Church in Sneedville on Friday, November 7, 2025 starting at 8 A.M. The family with receive friends from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. with a service to follow at 7:00 P.M. Rev. Kester Bunch and Rev. Allen Lamb will be presiding.

He will be laid to rest in the East Tennessee Veterans’ Cemetery in Knoxville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to WSDC radio.

McNeil Funeral Home in Sneedville is honored to be serving the Dean Family

Online condolences can be made at www.mcneilfuneralhome.com