Dean Smith made a peaceful transition to Heaven on August 13, 2017 at Bowling Green Rehabilitation Center. He showed great strength when facing challenges during his short illness.

Dean was born October 1, 1935 to the late Gertrude Knuckles Laurenz in Caroline County, Virginia. Reared in a Christian home, Dean attended Saint John Baptist Church in Milford, Virginia. He later became a member of Zion Grove Baptist Church in Woodford, Virginia where he attended faithfully until his health began to fail.

Dean received his education in the Caroline County Public School System before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a truck driver and did other odd jobs. He later relocated to Arlington, Virginia and returned to Caroline County, Virginia after his mother's death.

Dean leaves cherished memories to one son; William Dean Smith, Jr. half brothers; Virgil Washington (Karen) and Barney Washington (Tonya), both of Ruther Glen, Virginia; half sister Myrtle Carey (Austin) of Warsaw, Virginia; a devoted companion, Irene Young; a cousin, Walter Robinson; nieces, nephews and other family and friends

Funeral Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Zion Grove Baptist Church, 9450 Fredericksburg Turnpike, Woodford, Virginia 22580 with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Reverend Dr. Kenneth Grasty will be delivering the eulogy.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery