WILMINGTON — Mr. Rufus Earl “Rooster” Dean, 80, died Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. He was born Oct. 25, 1940, to James Dean and Luna Beatrice Robbins. He was known by many as Rooster, a name given to him by the Star News while playing baseball in his youth, and as a beloved husband, father and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Grace Griffin; and sister-in-law, Sylvia Griffin.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Griffin Dean; daughter, Robin Ratcliff and Tripp Watson of Wilmington; sons, Chris Dean, and his wife, Amy, of Carolina Beach, Tracy Dean of Carolina Beach and Aaron Dean, and his wife, Suzanne, of Wilmington; sister, Gerlie Costin, and her husband, Rickey, of Leland; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and many cousins and longtime friends.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park Chapel with Tripp Watson officiating.
Share online condolences with the family at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
