December 24, 1935 ~ March 28, 2025 (age 89)
Bobby Drake Deans, age 89, of Whiteville, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Born on December 24, 1935 in Nashville, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Myrtle Virginia Drake Deans and John Hackney Deans. He was predeceased by his parents, a son, Robert Scott Deans, and brothers, John Henry Deans, Billy Hackney Deans, and daughter in law Susan Moss Deans.
Bobby graduated from Rocky Mount High School in 1954 and North Carolina State University in 1958, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He served honorably in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Hawaii for four years. After retiring from National Spinning Textile Mill in 1992, he enjoyed countless hours of golf, fishing, watching NC State athletics and playing cards. His greatest joys were cooking for others and spending time with his family. He was a member of The Whiteville United Methodist Church. In addition, he was a member of The Vineland Golf Club, the Five F Men’s Club, and former member of the Methodist Men, Whiteville Civitan Club and the Columbus County Chapter of the Wolfpack Club. He served with passion and diligence on the Columbus County Hospital Board for over 25 years and was currently a member of North Carolina ABC Board to which he was appointed in 2008.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Alma Daughtridge Deans. His son, John Drake Deans, Sr. daughters, Mary Virginia Deans, Elizabeth Deans Bullard, daughter-in-law Gina King Deans. Grandchildren , John Drake Deans, Jr.( Haley ), Timothy Carr Deans, Benjamin King Deans, Joseph Hackney Deans (Sloan), Christopher Scott Deans, Hannah Deans Tomlin (Michael) , Jacob Kevin Bullard, Andrew Jarrett Bullard, and four great- grandchildren, Brooklyn Adair Deans, Margaret Virginia Deans Tomlin, John Drake Deans III, and Josephine Elizabeth Drake Tomlin.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at 11:00 am at Whiteville United Methodist Church with Rev. Howard James officiating. Burial will follow at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery. A time of visitation will follow at the cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Whiteville United Methodist Church or the charity of one’s choice.
McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Deans family.
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