Local leaders met this morning to dedicate the naming of a section of Highway 41, also known as Ringgold Road, in East Ridge after the late Rev. Billy Dean.
At the urging of local business owner, Buster Raymer, a section of the state highway has been named after Rev. Dean, noting his commitment to the City of East Ridge.
Rev. Dean was instrumental in the founding of the East Ridge Education Committee, served on the board of directors for the East Ridge Revitalization Committee and served as an officer in the East Ridge Ministerial Association for several years.
Rev.
Dean entered the ministry at the age of 17 and served eight churches within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga during his nearly 70 years as a pastor.
Brother Billy, as he was more commonly known, held deep roots in East Ridge. His family moved from Soddy Daisy to Prigmore Road when he was a very young boy. In his later years, he fondly pointed out a large oak tree in the yard of the Prigmore address and recalled the story of how he planted it while living there. He would go on to explain that he was once told that when the tree was large enough to shadow his grave, he would pass away. Then he would quip that he was obviously outliving that prediction.
Brother Billy passed away peacefully on Nov. 28, 2019 in the East Ridge home that he and his wife purchased in 1959. Together they raised one son in that home and entertained countless fellow church members throughout the years.
“It is fitting and proper that the State of Tennessee and the City of East Ridge recognize my dad’s commitment and service to this region,” said Vince Dean, son of the late pastor. “Dad loved this area and I am proud that his memory is being honored so publicly,” he added.