Taylor J. Dean “Ted”, age 80

Taylor J. Dean “Ted”, age 80, of Collierville, TN, passed away August 30, 2023 at Hospice Care Collierville, TN. Ted was born September 22, 1942 in Kings Mill, OH. He was a 1961 graduate of Owsley County School, in Booneville, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents; Ledford & Bonnie (Combs) Dean, and a brother; Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean, US Navy Retired.
He is survived by his longtime partner; Elizabeth M. McKinley, special families of Joanne (Allan), Jason, Alex (Dawn) Rodriguez of Collierville, TN, and Richard McKinley of Elizabethtown, KY, daughter; Tavia (Sean) Moynihan, grandsons; Micah & Ezra Russell of Clackamas, Oregon, 3 siblings; Pat Tedford of Louisville, KY, Dr. James Dean of Louisville, KY, and Ledford Dean Jr. of Booneville, KY, nieces & nephews; Lisa Dean, Jason (Belita) Dean of Louisville, KY, Ryan (Glenda) Dean of Booneville, KY, and Jess Dean Jr. (Tracy) of Houston, TX, and many other loving family members, and friends.

Ted’s professional career consisted of US Air Force, and US Navy Military services, as well as employment with the Federal Government.
He served 19 years overseas primarily on Independent Duty Assignments, and with Joint Military Commands. Some assignments included Cuba, Morocco, Eighth US Army/United Nations Command, Seoul, Korea, and joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) Bangkok, Thailand. His favorite assignment was a NATO facility on HMS Warrior in Northwood, England.
Ted was selected as Sailor of the Year while stationed at Naval Communications Station, Spain. Ted served a tour on the staff of Commander, US Naval Forces, Vietnam, and a tour as an advisor at the Vietnamese Navy Shipyard, Saigon. His last duty assignment was with United Nations Command, Seoul Korea, J2, Photographic Interpretation Center, where he was one of the leading non-commissioned officers in the intelligence center. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer, United States Navy, and received numerous awards including; Joint Service Commendations, Navy Achievement Medals with Combat “V”, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Ted retired from his second career as a Technical Information Specialist at the Trident Submarine Refit Facility, Kings Bay, Georgia.
During his retirement, he enjoyed viewing The Great Courses offered by the Teaching Company. He was a Master Mason with the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland. Ted leaves us with a gift no person can take; He accepted Jesus as his savior, and was baptized. Two of Ted’s favorite charities were the Wounded Warrior Project, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Graveside services with Military Rites will be held October 5, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery, located in Booneville, KY. There will be food & fellowship held at the Owsley County Partnership Housing (HWY 11 South, Booneville, KY) immediately following the services. The Booneville Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Special thanks to Ted’s doctors, and Hospice Care Collierville, TN for your love & special care, from all of Ted’s family.