William Roberts Dean

March 14, 1945 – May 20, 2024

William Roberts Dean passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024. Born in Alexandria, Virginia while his father served in World War II, William was a lifelong resident of the Auburn/Opelika area and a beloved husband and father.

William attended Auburn University, majoring first in architecture and graduating in economics. He worked initially with his father at Dean Agency, and later established his own business, Dean Realty, in 1985. He worked with clients throughout Alabama and surrounding states, specializing in appraisals, land and timber sales, and expert witness services.

An award-winning marksman in high school and college, William served in a helicopter medic unit with the Air National Guard following graduation. He remained a passionate outdoorsman for life, enjoying hunting and fishing. He could often be found tilling his garden and decrying the various pests that dared to infest his carefully tended tomatoes, which he shared with many friends. He was a wildflower enthusiast, often transplanting and propagating plants he found in the woods. Protection of habitat and stewardship of the land were high priorities for him. He was an excellent cook, incorporating produce he grew into his specialties, such as Brunswick stew and jambalaya.

William was known by all as a restorer of historic buildings in Auburn. He was very knowledgeable about materials and construction of different time periods and set high quality standards. He oversaw the restoration of Sunny Slope, which houses OLLI at Auburn. He also oversaw the moving and restoration of two other historic buildings, now located near Noble Hall and Cusseta. His most recent restoration project is the 1890 Cullars-Henry-Dean home on College Street. He has lovingly labored for many years on the maintenance and renovation of the Lowe family farmhouse, originally built around 1890 by his wife's grandparents.

His reputation for fair and ethical opinions led to his appointment to the Lee County Probate Commission for multiple years. He served as secretary for the regional Perinatal Advisory Committee during its early years. He was a member of Lee County Board of Realtors, Auburn Arts Association, and Auburn Preservation League.

His varied interests led to friendships throughout the community — staff in restaurants adjoining his garden, plumbers, electricians, historians, builders, businessmen, and artists. He quietly helped many people behind the scenes who sought his advice. He had a kind and generous spirit. He was a creative problem-solver, finding solutions when they seemed elusive.

He met his wife on a blind date when she was sixteen years old, and they married four years later. He was steadfast in his love and support of her, always patient, always her rock. His family came first.

William is survived by his wife Linda Henry Dean, his son Will (Laura) and daughter Gabrielle (David), his brothers Baker (Theresa) and Robert, numerous cousins and other relatives, and his cherished cat Edith whom he rescued as a feral. He was predeceased by his parents Augustus Baker and Caroline Dean and his brother Daniel R. Dean.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., on June 8, 2024, at Frederick Dean Funeral Home, 1801 Frederick Road, Opelika AL 36801. Flowers are welcome, as he adored them, or a donation in his memory to Alabama Wildlife Federation.