Hardy R. Dean Jr.

April 30, 1938 - June 14, 2021

Hardy Robinson Dean, Jr. (Robbie) passed away peacefully at his home overlooking the Suwannee River, in Old Town, FL the morning of June 14, 2021. He was 83 years young. Mr. Dean was born in Gainesville, Florida on April 30, 1938 to Florene and Hardy Dean, Sr. After traveling to the west coast for the Navy, and living in California the majority of his life, he returned home to Florida in 1996 with his wife Nancy, to spend the remainder of his Golden years. After graduating from college, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam war. Always a people person, Hardy found success by creating relationships as a sales representative for Moore Business Forms. He spent the next 30 years working for Moore until retirement. As an active member of his community, Hardy was a part of a local car club called the Stop Watchers LTD and the Livermore, CA. Jaycee’s, where he was able to give back to his community. Once he retired and returned to Florida, he continued to help his community by joining and becoming very active with the First United Methodist Church of Chiefland, and their United Methodist Men’s group. In his down time he and his wife enjoyed cruisin’ down the river on their boat, with the Suwannee River Cruisers boat club. Mr. Dean was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Dean, his children Lynette Ingman (Hal), Michele Heathorn (David), Matthew Dean, and his siblings Verley Dean, Patricia Beddow (William) and Susan Bowden (Larry), seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many other extended family members. His brother Steven Dean preceded him in death. A celebration of life service will be held for Mr. Dean at the First United Methodist Church of Chiefland on Saturday June 26, 2021 at 11AM. Hardy was an avid University of Florida Gator fan. Please consider wearing Gator colors (Orange & Blue), in his honor. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations in Hardy’s name to Haven Hospice or the First United Methodist Church of Chiefland. For those who cannot attend the celebration in person, please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com Arrangements have been placed under the care of the Rick Gooding Funeral Home Cross City Chapel, with locations in Cross City 352-498-5400 and Chiefland 352-493-0050. Please sign the online guest book at rickgoodingfuneralhomes.com