Obituaries

Sam Dean, Jr. was born on May 29, 1956, in Marianna, Arkansas, the eldest of ten children born to the late Ophelia Madden and Sam Dean, Sr. He departed this earthly life and received his heavenly reward on December 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Sam accepted Christ as his personal Savior during his teenage years under the guidance of Reverend Meeks. He was a faithful member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lexa, Arkansas, under the leadership of Pastor Malcolm Curne, Sr., and an honorary member of the Mount Olive Male Chorus.

Sam attended Lee County High School. Affectionately known as “Arkansas Sam” and “Bootmouth,” he was employed by Arkansas Power and Light (AP&L) for more than 30 years before becoming disabled.

On September 14, 1999, Sam was united in holy matrimony to Dollean Bell. With this union, one child was born.

Sam found joy in hunting, fishing, farming, yard work, and spending quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved anything that allowed him to enjoy the outdoors.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife; Dollean Bell-Dean, his parents; Ophelia Madden and Sam Dean, Sr., one brother; Willie Dean, three sisters; Mattie Mae Dean, Loistene Pruitt, and Mea Thelma Dean.

Sam leaves to cherish his loving memories his daughters; Shontae Dean of Lexa AR, Shereeka Dean of Louisville TX, grandchildren; Shanteka Dean of West Helena AR, Shkwan Martin of Kansas City KS, Sharone Martin, Sammie Arnett both of Conway AR, great-grandchildren; Ayce Barnes, Autumn Martin, Ahmaud Martin, Ashton Martin all of West Helena AR, August Martin of Kansas City KS, one brother; George Dean of Marvell AR, sisters; Peggy (Eddie) Romar, Dorthy Dean both of Chicago IL, Linda Livingston of West Memphis AR, Brenda (Darren) Carruth of Jacksonville AR, sisters-in-law; Wanda (Robert) Askew of Chicago IL; Gloria (Andrew, Sr.) Gause of Lexa AR, Joyce (Phillips) Britt, Minnie (Reginald) Williams both of West Helena AR, brothers-in-law; Dennis Bell, Rickey Bell both of Lexa AR, along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.