Dean Clyde Story "Papa," age 77, was joyfully reunited with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved ones on August 10th 2024 at his home.
Dean was the oldest son born to the late Roy Monroe and Joyce Simmons Story in Caldwell County on August 1 5th 1946.
In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his wife and high school sweetheart of 42 years Beth Phillips Story; a son Gary Dean Story; a son-in-law Phillip; and an infant brother Thomas Story.
Dean leaves behind a beloved wife Linda "Moma Lou" who was a steadfast, constant of love and devotion to him and a stepson Jeffrey Walker of Winston Salem, NC. Lastly, but certainly not least, is Dean and Linda's fur baby Zoey who brought him many hours of smiles and unconditional companionship.
In addition to his late son, Gary Dean, are his two daughters who have the blessing and honor to call him Daddy; Nicci Story Hawkins and Leigh Anne Story Baker and husband Jeff.
Dean is also survived by grandchildren that have the privilege of calling him Papa; MichaelDean Story Propst; James Edward Goble (Michelle); Joshua Dean Goble (Misty); Samantha E. Evans of SC; Emily Clontz (Robert); and Michael Hawkins. Great granddaughters Hailey Michelle Goble (father Joshua) and Lilly Grace Goble (father James).
Dean is also survived by a sister Scottie S. Baker (Alen); and brothers Timmy (Kimberly); and Kim (Debra). He was more than just a big brother to them. When Dean was 16, their father passed away and he became "man of the house." Even to the end, Uncle Timmy would laugh and say with reverence "girls, i can't go against the chain of command." "Whatever your daddy says goes."
Dean spent his childhood and into his early adult years in "Simmonsville" working with his Uncles in the Simmons Family Construction business. Dean graduated from Hudson High School in 1964 and started his employment with Southern Bell and retired after 32 years of faithful service. Dean was first in the area to be sent by Southern Bell to Atlanta, GA to be trained in fiberoptic cable splicing. The knowledge and experience he gained from his Uncles and Southern Bell afforded him the opportunity to build his and Beth's dream home which is still an active home of love and family gatherings.
When his children and grandchildren were young, Dean devoted many years in the Hudson Optimist Club coaching baseball. As the grandchildren grew, his attention focused to watching them play baseball, basketball, cheerleading, and pole vaulting. He enjoyed the pole vaulting because it brought back a lot of memories from his high school track days. Also, he and Michael would enjoy a weekly sneak trip to Arby's after his practice.
As much as Dean cherished his family, his ministry was in music. He sang bass in the same Southern gospel quartet for 40 years. His group traveled across the Southeast and Upland South as well as numerous sessions spent in the studio. He shared the stage with many talented, gospel artists including a fellow bass singer, JD Sumner with the Stamps Quartet. As satisfying as these times were for Dean, nothing was more special than to share the stage with his daughter Leigh Anne.
Dean was an active member of Mount Zion Baptist Church serving on the Maintenance Committee for approximately 12 years and singing in the choir.
After experiencing loss, God led Dean to Linda. They traveled the world with the "Crazy Eights" and explored all the waterfalls in NC. They loved one another unconditionally. Many hours were spent together but family time was special to them both. Especially game night when Dean would proclaim "there is no family in games, you're on your own." He would then proceed to wipe out his wife, children and grandchildren without remorse and only give that infamous side smile smirk.
Dean was the best husband, father, and grandfather. He never wavered in his responsibility to care for, uplift, and love his family. Grief is the price we pay for love but Dean's strength through his fight with Acute Myeloid Leukemia was and will be a testimony of endurance that others may learn from.
The world got a little darker with Dean's passing but Heaven just became a little brighter and gained one heck of a bass singer. His legacy and teachings will forever live on in the hearts of his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mount Zion Baptist Church on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Robert Livingston officiating and speakers cousin Dale Simmons and grandson Michael Hawkins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Caldwell County Animal Shelter or SECU Family House in Chapel Hill, NC.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com
Greer-McElveen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
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