Dr. Dean Blackburn Priest Sr. of Searcy, AR went home to be with his Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 after patiently battling a muscle disease for 16 years. He was born on May 5, 1939 in Columbia, TN to Curtis and Frances Priest.
He married his sweetheart Carolyn Pogue on June 27, 1959 and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage. Together with his wife he had five children and a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He graduated from Harding University in ‘61, received a Master’s Degree from Ole Miss in ’62, and a PhD from Ole Miss in ’69. He worked at Harding University for 52 years, serving as a professor of mathematics, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and finally returning to teaching which was his first love. He received an Outstanding Teacher Award 3 times in his tenure at Harding. His love of teaching was his foremost passion, continuing until his death, as he transferred his teaching from the University setting to tutoring his grandchildren in mathematics.
Music was his inspiration. He sang in a gospel quartet, The Midlander’s, during his high school years, in the Harding A Capella chorus during his college years, and was a member of the first Belles and Beaux group at Harding University. He loved leading singing at church and at gospel meetings, and continued doing so even when he was confined to a power chair. On his death bed he helped direct as his family sang to him in the hospital.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn; daughters Theresa (Gary) Long, Cheryl (David) Camp, Matilda (Jim Bob) Baker, and Laurie (Joe) Walker; son Dean Priest Jr.; sister Becky (Jackie) Pierce; brothers Wayne (Elizabeth) and Marshall Priest; grandchildren Mollee (Nathan) Walsh, McKenna (Michael) Pruitt, Caleb (Summer) Baker, Ashton (Daniel) Long, Kelsey (Michael) Nutt, Laurie (Matt) Kelly, Jaycob (Jessica) Baker, Jordan (Jessi) Baker, Kittrell Camp, Addison (Harrison) Baker, Anna Walker, Joseph Walker, Caroline Walker, Issac (Ciera) Baker, Wren Priest, Elisabeth Walker, Gideon Baker, Gabriel Baker, Evan Priest, Ruben Priest, Emmye Baker, Carson Priest, Quinn Priest, Samuel Baker; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Heaven was his goal and he has now achieved what he longed for all his life. He remained patient, uncomplaining, and faithful to the end of a slow, debilitating illness, and he will now hear the voice of his Heavenly Father say, “Well done, good and faithful Servant,” as he walks along the street of gold, unassisted.
A visitation will be held Saturday, April 20, 2019 at10:00 in the College Church Family Room in Searcy with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 am in the College Church auditorium officiated by Jim Bob Baker. Services are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy.
A graveside service will be held Monday, April 22, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Worley Cemetery in Hampshire, TN. The family will visit with friends Monday from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. at the cemetery. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with local arrangements and condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Harding University General Scholarship Fund 915 E. Market St., Searcy, AR 72143.
