Charles Robert (Shag) Dean

Charles Robert “Shag” Dean, 88, Gate City, VA has completed his earthly journey and entered his heavenly father's care following a brave hard-fought battle with cancer on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his children. Charles has gone to rest alongside his dear wife Etta Mae Dean.

In addition to his wife, his parents, Tina Esta and William Henry Dean, brothers, William Curtis Dean, Ireland K. Dean, Morris L. Dean, Fred Dean, and E.P. Dean, and sister, Sallie Flo Fairbanks preceded him in death.

Charles is survived by his large loving family including: daughter, Lisa Vail and husband Mike; sons, Terry Dean and wife Rose, Randy Dean and wife Kaori; brothers, John H. Dean, and Paul E. Dean; grandchildren, Corey Dean and wife Alicia, Logan Tucker and wife Britney, Natasha Dean, Elyott Dean, Katie Everett and husband Derrick, Andrew Dean, Kendra Dean, Ria Dean, and Manami Dean; great-grandchildren, Zadie Mann, Primrose Dean, James Tucker, Draven Dean, and Emmett Barker.

Charles was called by many names (Shag, Charlie, Dad, Papaw, Little Fella), but no matter how you knew him, he always greeted you with a smile and a handshake. He never met anyone who wasn’t a potential friend. He was happiest when enjoying home cooked meals, especially biscuits and gravy. He spent every year tending his garden and loved sharing his delicious tomatoes. He had his own way of saying things (we’ve decided to call them ‘Shagisms’) between asking his kids and grandkids about the rat nests on their heads or asking if we were squeaky-clean after a shower. He never quite got Mitsubishi, prostate, or chicken broth down, but we all knew what he was saying. He loved NASCAR and was nice enough to talk about who won, even if you hadn’t watched it yet. He could often be found wandering around the hospital hallways going to comfort friends and family. We all learned early in life to never challenge him to a game of pool or croquet (or at least make sure he was on your team).

The family will receive friends from 5-7p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the Gate City Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Craig Needham officiating. Dale Smith, Corey and Alicia Dean will provide the music.

Graveside services will be conducted at 9:00a.m., Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA. Family and Friends will serve as pallbearers.

Family and friends are asked to meet at 8:45a.m. at the cemetery for the graveside service.

Charles' absence will be greatly felt, and he will be missed by the many people he touched in his life. We would have kept him with us forever, but heaven needed him more. We are all better for knowing him and feeling his love around us.

An online guest register is available for the Dean family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.

Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Charles Robert (Shag) Dean.