Born May 25, 1948, in Johnston County, Mr. Deans was a son of the late Frank and Eula Williamson Deans. He was a professor in the seminary at Liberty University. Dr. Deans held a master’s degree in Christian education and a doctorate in theology from Liberty University. He was chairman of the Kidney Foundation for Wilson County, pastor of Tennessee View Church in Forest, Va., and chaplain at the Veterans Administration in Durham. In 2001, the Governor’s Office of Virginia named Dr. Deans Virginia Parent of the Year. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 till 1973.

The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Minshew-Coley Funeral Home, 103 E. 2nd St., Kenly. The Revs. Gordon Sebastian and Rusty Russell will officiate. Burial will follow in Kenly Cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Deans; a son, Robert Webb of Pinetops; two daughters, Jennifer Barkley of Apex and Jennifer Russell of Lynchburg, Va.; a brother, Jerry Deans of Albany, Ga.; and three grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 7:39 till 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the funeral home.