Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

John Paul Dean, DDS, age 86

John Paul Dean, DDS of North Little Rock died peacefully at home on October 13, 2021. He was born June 13, 1935 in North Little Rock. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sue Hamilton Dean; his children, Dr. David, Dr. John (Bliss), and Suzanna Bannerman (Dr. Drew). Six grandchildren, Anna Bliss Dean, Abby Bannerman, Andrew Dean, Woodrow Dean, Caroline Dean, and Benjamin Bannerman. He was preceded in death by his parents Ina and J.P. (Izzy) Dean, and his sister, Ina Claire Dugan.

He graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1953 and the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1958, followed by a two-year internship in Virginia. He practiced dentistry in North Little Rock for 56 years and enjoyed the lifelong friendships he developed with his patients and peers. Paul was always the first person to help others in times of need. He served on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners and was an advocate and mentor to newly graduated dental students. Known as Poppa by all his grandchildren, Paul developed a special relationship with each grandchild. Paul was a long time member of Park Hill Baptist Church. His loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts, but we take a lot of comfort in knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father and is sitting somewhere telling old stories with a chocolate milkshake in hand and Willie Nelson tunes playing in the background. Thank you for all you did for us. We are all better people for having known and loved you.

Visitation will be held at Park Hill Baptist Church on October 29th, at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Paul’s memory to NLR Young Life (nlr.younglife.org) P.O. Box 94113 North Little Rock, AR 72116 or Park Hill Baptist Church.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.  Paul’s online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

16 Comments

  • Julie Clayton Posted October 15, 2021 2:58 PM

    One of the best men I ever met!!!! Sooooo lucky to have spent many mornings or afternoons telling stories to each other !!!! He was amazing & loved baseball more then anyone I know !!

  • Judy Dover Posted October 15, 2021 4:00 PM

    So very sorry to hear about Dr. Dean. He was a great man. Praying for all of his sweet family.
    Judy and Doug Dover

  • Sharon Touschner Posted October 15, 2021 4:37 PM

    I was so blessed by the time I got to spend with Paul. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.

  • Lillian Andrews Fellin Posted October 15, 2021 6:59 PM

    Dr. Dean was a wonderful person to know and work for. He gave me guidance to become a dental hygienist, when I had never even heard the word. He was instrumental in helping me negotiate the path to get into college and dental hygiene school. I have enjoy a good life as a result of his guidance.

  • Linda Wilson Posted October 15, 2021 9:45 PM

    Our family loved Dr. Dean. As a toddler, Kellye would run down the hall calling, Dr. Dean, Dr. Dean. He would leave his patient and pay attention to her. He was my dentist when he was just out of dental school. He was so kind.

  • Stephen Chapman Posted October 16, 2021 5:43 AM

    Dear Paul – RIP my friend and classmate through all the school years. I know you will be missed!

    Steve Chapman ’53

  • Connie Bossier Arendt Posted October 16, 2021 7:50 AM

    So very sorry for your family’s loss. I worked for Dr. Dean as his first high school employee through a new program at NLRHS where I went to school 1/2 days and worked the other 1/2. He was so good to me and I have such special memories of him and Dr. Jolly. He was a special man and I know you will miss him. RIP Dr. Dean.

  • Dotty Graddy Graddy Posted October 16, 2021 8:59 AM

    I meet Dr. Dean at the age of 8 when he became our family dentist. Ten years later I started working for him as a dental assistant, as well as my 3 other sisters at one time or another. Without a doubt he taught me work ethics that I carried through out my life. He was an awesome dentist to work with! Prayers to his family, Sue who was my Sunday School teacher, and David who preformed open heart surgery on our Dad! Praying for Dr. John Dean , Suzann and all other family members! Paul’s community lost a very fine person!

  • Gayle Fisher Posted October 16, 2021 9:13 AM

    Gayle Fisher

  • Gayle Fisher Posted October 16, 2021 9:19 AM

    Dr. Dean was an important part of my life. He went over and beyond to help me start my dental career. I have always been thankful for his support and friendship. I considered him a part of my family. To the Dean family, I am truly sorry for your loss. Gayle Fisher

  • Jeananne Hawking Posted October 17, 2021 11:07 AM

    My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. Dr. Dean was our dentist for many years before he retired and we just loved him. He made going to the dentist as positive of an experience as that can be. Praying for you all in the coming days!

  • Keith Dixon M.D. Posted October 19, 2021 6:49 AM

    So sorry for your loss! Truely a great man and father!

  • Leslie Himstedt Posted October 19, 2021 11:05 AM

    We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Dr. Dean. He was the dentist to four generations of our family and a kind, sweet man. May your memories bring you comfort and peace in the coming days. Keeping your family in our prayers.

    Jim and JoAnn Butler
    Paul and Leslie Himstedt

  • Jeanne & Bill James Posted October 20, 2021 3:09 PM

    My father, Harold Bell helped Dr Dean with the planning permit for his first dentist office in Levy, Then my grandparents, parents and me (at age 10) became patients. He was a truly wonderful human being. My mother, husband and I now go to Dr Bannerman. Please know your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hazel Bell, Jeanne & Bill James

  • Caran Curry Posted October 25, 2021 8:56 AM

    I grew up hearing stories of Uncle Gene and Cousin Paul’s tales of their youth. What great family times! Sending all my love to Sue, John, David and Suzanna.

  • Vernon Moore and Family Posted October 28, 2021 9:17 AM

    Sorry for your loss, prayers for the family.
    Dr. Dean was a wonderful person would do anything for anybody if he could. My dad and him was great friends for many years, and he will be missed.

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