Dean Blackburn Priest Sr.

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Visitation Schedule
College Church of Christ
712 East Race Street
Searcy, AR  72143
Saturday, April 20, 2019
10:00AM
Service Schedule
College Church of Christ
712 East Race Street
Searcy, AR  72143
Saturday, April 20, 2019
11:00AM
Cemetery
Worley Cemetery
Hampshire, TN  38461
Memorial Contributions
Harding University General Scholarship Fund
HU Box 12238
Searcy, AR  72149
Dean Blackburn Priest Sr.

of Searcy, AR

April 17, 2019

Dr. Dean Blackburn Priest Sr. of Searcy, AR went home to be with his Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 after patiently battling a muscle disease for 16 years. He was born on May 7, 1939 in Columbia, TN to Curtis and Frances Priest.

He married his sweetheart Carolyn Pogue on June 27, 1959 and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage. Together with his wife he had five children and a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Harding University in '61, received a Master's Degree from Ole Miss in '62, and a PhD from Ole Miss in '69. He worked at Harding University for 52 years, serving as a professor of mathematics, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and finally returning to teaching which was his first love. He received an Outstanding Teacher Award 3 times in his tenure at Harding. His love of teaching was his foremost passion, continuing until his death, as he transferred his teaching from the University setting to tutoring his grandchildren in mathematics.

Music was his inspiration. He sang in a gospel quartet, The Midlander's, during his high school years, in the Harding A Capella chorus during his college years, and was a member of the first Belles and Beaux group at Harding University. He loved leading singing at church and at gospel meetings, and continued doing so even when he was confined to a power chair. On his death bed he helped direct as his family sang to him in the hospital.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carolyn; daughters Theresa (Gary) Long, Cheryl (David) Camp, Matilda (Jim Bob) Baker, and Laurie (Joe) Walker; son Dean Priest Jr.; sister Becky (Jackie) Pierce; brothers Wayne (Elizabeth) and Marshall Priest; grandchildren Mollee (Nathan) Walsh, McKenna (Michael) Pruitt, Caleb (Summer) Baker, Ashton (Daniel) Long, Kelsey (Michael) Nutt, Laurie (Matt) Kelly, Jaycob (Jessica) Baker, Jordan (Jessi) Baker, Kittrell Camp, Addison (Harrison) Baker, Anna Walker, Joseph Walker, Caroline Walker, Issac (Ciera) Baker, Wren Priest, Elisabeth Walker, Gideon Baker, Gabriel Baker, Evan Priest, Ruben Priest, Emmye Baker, Carson Priest, Quinn Priest, Samuel Baker; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Heaven was his goal and he has now achieved what he longed for all his life. He remained patient, uncomplaining, and faithful to the end of a slow, debilitating illness, and he will now hear the voice of his Heavenly Father say, ''Well done, good and faithful Servant,'' as he walks along the street of gold, unassisted.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 20, 2019 at10:00 in the College Church Family Room in Searcy with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 am in the College Church auditorium officiated by Jim Bob Baker. Interment will take place at Worley Cemetery in Hampshire, TN on Monday, April 22, 2019. Services are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Harding University General Scholarship Fund - HU Box 12238, Searcy, AR 72149.

Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy


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39 Condolence(s)
Robert W Scott
Springfield, MO
Liked
Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Great Christian educator. Made calculus understandable and fun. Many have benefited from knowing and learning from Dr. Priest.

Jana Pearson
Greeley, CO
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

Dr. Priest what my Senior seminar advisor when I was at Harding. He helped me to find a topic that I could be really passionate about and was just a great mentor to me. I was always so impressed with how he cared for us as his students and got involved in our lives. I also played basketball for the Bisons, and had invited Dr. Priest to my senior night game. It wasn't always that easy for him to get out like that, but it meant so much to me when I looked up from our bench and saw him across the way there cheering us on! I have tried to take those lessons with me into my job now as I get to work with college athletes and do all I can do to sometimes simply "show up" for them! I'll always remember and be thankful for those lessons!

Janet Moore-Lindstrom
Madison, WI
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

Words cannot express the respect and admiration I have for Dr. Priest. Love and gentleness radiated from him. As a young family, living and working at Harding in the early 90's, we would often see "Dean Dean Priest" on campus and be greeted by his warm and genuine smile. If we happened to see him around lunch time, many times he would hand us his meal card so we could get lunch in Heritage. He didn't just speak the Word, he lived the Word!
Later it was my pleasure to worship with his daughter Matilda. She shares his same sweet spirit.
My prayers are with all the family that God will provide divine comfort as they continue on life's path without the earthly presence of Dr. Priest. He was truly an ambassador for Christ!

Alan Kinningham
Pflugerville, TX
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

I thank God for Dr. Dean Priest. His enthusiasm for the Lord, for math, and for teaching was an inspiration to his students.

I was blessed to have had him for three different math courses during my undergraduate time at Harding, Calculus I, Calculus III, and Modern Algebra. We never saw him in a bad mood, or impatient, or irritable. He was always upbeat and enthusiastic about life, and teaching. He would get especially excited whenever he would find a new spiritual connection to a mathematical precept, or see the “lights come on” for a student struggling to understand some mathematical principle.
In modern algebra, he taught logic principles and used Bible verses to illustrate the logical truths. One of his transfer students privately called this into question, whereupon, Dr. Priest invited him to study the scriptures together privately to discuss this matter in greater detail. Dr. Priest, with permission, and with much joy, shared with our class the next week, how this student, having come to greater understanding of the truth of scripture, was now our newest brother in the Lord. We all received a bigger picture of life, in addition to mathematics.
From the student newspaper, we learned how he had recently learned to play racquetball, and progressed so fast that he won his class in a racquetball tournament in a larger neighboring city. I saw him play a few times, and could not believe that anyone could hope to beat him. I knew a really good student athlete who was the best I knew at racquetball. Dr. Priest easily and overwhelmingly won when they played racquetball. Even then, with typical good sportsmanship, Dr. Priest found ways to praise and encourage this student’s play.
In class, an advanced level student had raised a particularly difficult mathematical proof question one day in class. Frankly, it was over the heads of most of the class, but Dr. Priest had promised to give it serious thought. A few days later, he enthusiastically told us that the solution had come to him that morning while he was tying his shoes, getting ready to come to school. His ability to simultaneously manage low-level tasks while also working out high-level mathematically esoteric problems, in his head, was particularly awe-inspiring. It also taught us that continual diligence and zeal for the truth would eventually yield the answers which we seek.
One time in Calculus III, he had given a take home test. I had wrestled about five times with a particularly long triple integral problem, and finally come to him for a help. He quickly discerned the problem which was allowing simple calculation mistakes to creep into my solution. He let me work out the problem on the extensive black boards in the science building. Then, he graded it right then and there, and saved me from having to re-copy it onto many pages of paper.
He never missed an opportunity to promote and propel the professional advancement of his students. He was kind. He inspired excellence. I learned a lot of math from Dr. Priest. It served as a basis for future studies in Math and Physics, which enabled me to earn a very decent living as a technical employee at some major employers. More importantly, I learned by his example how to live life on a higher plane.
Thank you, Dr. Priest. Your example caused so many to grow, stretch, and gain a bigger picture of mathematics, God, and Life. May God bless your family and every remembrance of you and your remarkable life.

Howard Poteet
Altamonte Springs, FL
Liked
Sunday, April 21, 2019

Dean & I grew up in Columbia,TN
and attended school together.
We had many mutual friends and teachers whom we admired.
Dean was always very popular and respected even as a young man.
He was a living example to others. I have enjoyed visiting with him at Harding and by phone over the past 30 years. He never changed but continued to grow and
was always helpful and kind to everyone whom he met. I will miss being able to call and talk to him and share our memories but will see him again someday. God bless his family at this time!
Howard G.Poteet
Orlando. FL

gary woodward
saint Louis, MO
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

He was most encouraging and found ways to give credit and praised even long and round about ways to the right answer. He seemed to live in joy.

CLASS OF '72

Thomas Steven Keaton
Cadiz, KY
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

My condolences.

I knew him. I wish I could have said hello. I had heard when he retired.

I had one class under him in the Summer of 1969. It was called Foundations of Mathematics. It was one of the best courses I ever had.

I also wanted to have devotional in the evening and he was my sponsor for that.

The final for the exam was a regular three hour exam. I completed all of the required material for an A. However, I wanted to complete everything and solve all of the problems.

He had put in place all the axioms and definitions for a mathematical system. We were to derive the theorems and postulates to complete this mathematical system.

I sat there for 7 hours in that room and developed and proved every possible theorem. I slipped my exam through the mail slot on his office. I had a perfect score.

Sue Henson
Matteson, IL
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

I met Dr Priest at the Harding Homecoming 2018. He sat at the same table as my family. It was such a pleasure to talk to him and get to know him over lunch.

Karen Young MD
Eugene, OR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

My favorite memory of Dr. Priest was one afternoon when I looked out of my window in Pattie Cobb Hall and saw Dr. Priest walking down the sidewalk followed, in single file, by 4 little girls and a little boy bringing up the rear. It was such a gentle loving sight. Later in life I would get to know his son better as he joined the same professional rank as myself in Psychiatry. And one daughter, Matilda, ( and her husband Jim Bob) in the University Church of Christ in Conway. Blessings on his large extended family.

Lani Beagle
Batesville, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I wanted to post this memory I have always carried of your kind and caring husband/father, etc.: When my husband and I were newly married and living in one of Dr. Priest's rentals, my husband was working one morning and I woke up and saw a mouse run across the kitchen floor. We had just been moving in and I was SO ALARMED and I thought the mouse was huge so I determined it must be a rat! I called Dr. Priest early-ish, around 7:00 and told him there was a rat in our home and I wanted to know what he wanted done. (Obviously, I was pretty ignorant). Anyway, he very kindly asked me if I were sure it was a rat and not a mouse and where it was. I explained it was under one of our moving crates that I had thrown on top of it and I could not check to see if he was dead or alive. He told me he would come over and take care of it, which he did a few minutes later. As I became older, I realized how foolish I was, but at that time, I was desperate and he was kind, helpful and always so good to us. We rented from him for a few years and always, always remembered him fondly. I am so sorry for your sadness, but I do know that he is healed and whole and enjoying his reward. Condolences to all the family.

Jason Housby
Windsor Heights, IA
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

My prayers go out to family. Dean has been a great friend. I was blessed to have him as teacher and then to be a teacher assistant in following years. To have spent time both helping in his home and at school over the years. Dean was a great man! A servant heart and blessed my life. It has been a honor to know you and now you have reached your reward! :). May God bless your family in this time. You are missed.

Jonathan Holland
Cary, NC
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I was one of so many who were blessed to learn at the feet of "Dean Squared" (He was Dean Dean Priest at the time) His enthusiasm for math was infectious and his love of the Lord ever-present. Condolences from my family to yours on your loss. Truly one in a "blue-million"

John Simmons
Columbia, TN
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dr. Priest was a great teacher and dear friend since I was in his calculus class in 1973. His love for mathematics matched mine so we hit it off from the beginning. He was a master teacher. When my daughter came to Harding and chose Mathematics as one of her majors, she had taken the CLEP test and could have gotten the credit for Calculus I but I advised her, since she was going to teach math, to take the course anyway and see how a master teaches it. She did and was forever grateful.

Over twenty years after I graduated, I was contemplating a career change and Dr. Priest, the friend he was, took time to just listen to me and talk and gave me some wonderful advice years after I was no longer his student. I worked with him as Chairman of the Harding Board's Academic Affairs Committee when he was the Academic Dean. His energy and the expertise he brought to that position during a time of rapid change for Harding was remarkable. However, he never let this get in the way of his love for family. Once at the end of the year in May, he told me how many places Dr. Burks wanted him to go that summer to evaluate programs at other universities starting the next Monday. However, he was at my church that Sunday in Columbia, TN. I told him I thought I wouldn't see him until the next fall with all he had to do. He said his mother-in-law had called though and asked when he was going to come to Hampshire and "bust up her garden". He said it was just easier and quicker to come and do it (a 5 hour drive one way) than to tell her he couldn't!
A genuinely good man. I will surely miss him but his example and love for me and my family will live within us all.
John O. Simmons

Daniel Holt
Murfreesboro, TN
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

What a great man, great teacher, and servant of Christ. I signed up for Quantitative Business Analysis during my freshman year and was intimidated by the course title alone. But Dr. Priest made it come alive, and actually made sense to me. I enjoyed his class immensely and appreciate him so much. One of his expressions I recall was, “a team of wild horses can’t take that away from you, “ after working the solution to a math problem. S9me of us made a large card for his birthday as I remember, and drew wild horses as an illustration. My condolences to his family. Great memories!

Christie (Privett) Alexander
Fort Smith, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dr. Priest drove 3 hours to sing at my wedding in 1983. He was so patient as my advisor at Harding, and I’ll always remember his song leading at church. He was willing to lead from the heart, not according to tradition. I remember putting the song books away and singing 1-2 verses from memory of about seven songs. That was different at that time, and I could truly feel God’s presence when Dr. Priest led singing.

ALAN F WHITTEN
MADISON, AL
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

There are few people I have known during my life whom I admire more than Dr. Priest. I appreciate the foundation he gave me in the math classes I had with him. At the time little did we both know that I would go on to teach at least one, if not two, of his daughters in math at Harding Academy 1976-79. Ironically, he passed on to me a post card advertisement for the graduate program in mathematics at University of Alabama in Huntsville with the idea that I might pursue a degree program there. I did not, however, I did eventually retire from there about 10 years ago after about 30 years on the university's accounting and information systems faculty. The example he and other faculty I had at Harding and Freed was the best preparation I had for the teaching career I later pursued. Thank-you Dr. Priest and your family for your influence on me and countless others who knew you.

John Wilson
Malibu, CA
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I went back to old files to find a picture of Dean, Grover Goyne, and myself on stage in Korea in 1961, entertaining the troops there (we hoped) by singing "Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley." Dean was a special person whom I have admired for all the years since we sang together. Requiescat in pace, good brother. --John F. Wilson

Lance Petrillo
Littleton, CO
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dr. Priest was my favorite professor during my time at Harding. His kind, encouraging, and compassionate nature made every student feel great. Dr. Priest's love and enthusiasm for math was contagious and I'm confident all who took his classes gained a greater appreciation for the subject. He served as a mentor to me throughout my journey as a math teacher and I still read the letter of recommendation he wrote for me 15 years ago. Dr. Priest is, without question, a man who made this world a better place. I'm so thankful you have a perfect body now.

Bethany Yates
El Dorado, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dr. Priest was my trigonometry teacher at Harding. I enjoyed every moment of being in his class, he was not only a great teacher in terms of translating his depth of knowledge effectively to his students, but he was so loving, caring, and captivating. He had such a kind and gentle spirit and I will always have such fond memories of knowing him. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, happy to have known him, and rejoice in knowing that he is with our Father in heaven.

Mark Ellis
WEST COLUMBIA, SC
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dr. Priest went out of his way to mentor and guide me during my last year at Harding, and I think SO, SO highly of him for that! He poured effort and encouragement into my thesis project, and prayed with me before I joined the military. I look forward to seeing Dr. Priest again -- when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!

Donna Adams Smith
Fort Smith, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dean was so special! We spent a lot of time in a cappella and Belles and Beaux, and he had such a great baritone voice. Such a fine person! Condolences to Carolyn and family.

Phyllis Argo Blacksten
Apex, NC
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Bro. Priest was a pillar of my life at Harding as part of the School of Science, the Science and Nursing Council, and the President's Council. We love him, first here, now as he is at home with Jesus, his first love. We join in the family's grief, and long for reunion.





Brian Mitchell
Searcy, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I thank God for letting me know Dr. Priest. He is free from sickness now, with his Lord and Savior. This great teacher is now safe with the Great Teacher.

Dean Priest was full of enthusiasm, and he was a wonderful encourager to me and to other students. When he taught, he used to say that he preferred to be a "guide by the side", rather than a "sage on the stage". He loved his students. He loved to see them succeed and use their God-given creativity. He helped me publish one of my math proofs when I was a student, and more importantly, he helped me become a better teacher.

Larry Long
Searcy, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Although my faith assures me that Dean is now with his Heavenly Father and is freed from the difficulties he faced with his earthly body, I am deeply saddened to know that he is gone from this life. I offer my deepest condolences to Carolyn and the entire family; I pray that their faith, love, and memories will sustain and strengthen them. My loss is incomparable to the loss they feel, but I do feel a deep sense of loss. I am left without a respected and beloved friend, colleague, role model, and brother. No person helped me more to grow as an administrator and academic leader. Dean sought me out to serve in various roles, mentored me as program director and dean, continued to guide and mentor me as an assistant vice president, and encouraged me as a vice president and provost. He personified and modeled excellence as a teacher, compelling me to do the same. He modeled thoughtful, patient, servant leadership and gave me the confidence to grow on my own as a leader. Dean showed me how to lead graciously and gracefully, to believe in the good of others, and to move on past the mistakes that we all make. More importantly he modeled spirituality in all he did, from how he acted in his office to how he created and led devotionals to how he sought solitude at his farm to how he prayed fervently before key or confrontational meetings. He lived his faith and, by doing so, challenged me to do the same. Like Dr. Joe, Jimmy Carr, and Neale Pryor, Dean Priest made me a better person. For that I am eternally grateful.

Anthony J. Keele, MD
Cape Girardeau, MO
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I had the honor of having Dr. Priest as my professor for several classes and advisor while obtaining my mathematics degree beginning with Calculus in 1989. He was an inspiration both as a teacher and a Christian.
I pray that God will comfort and bless his family and friends.

Kaitlin Ballek
Searcy, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I am sorry that I cannot be in attendance on Saturday to express my condolences and celebrate the life of Dr. Priest. I had Dr. Priest for calculus I and his daughter for calculus II when I was a freshman from 2012-2013. I did not know either of them closely, but one of my favorite memories from undergrad involved Dr. Priest. We were discussing the equation e^kt and he said it reminded him of a song about my name and he sang it! Right then at 8 o'clock in the morning he sang to me the same song my grandma used to sing when I was little and all of the memories came flooding back.

"K-K-K-Katie, beautiful Katie,
You're the only g-g-g-girl that I adore;
When the m-m-m-moon shines,
Over the cowshed,
I'll be waiting at the k-k-k-kitchen door."

Such a neat man. He will be greatly missed.

Louise (Fry) Venkatesan
Laurel, MD
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dr. Priest was an inspiration as a professor. He shared his love of mathematics and his love of God. I still remember him telling us stories of how his daughter would wake up and say the "numbers were chasing her". He was a blessing to all his students. May God comfort your family at this time.

Jeannette Maxey
Alexandria, KY
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Dr. Priest was a superb teacher, easily in my top 3 of all-time best teachers. He exuded such caring for his students. He made it easier to go to Calculus I class at 8am, Monday-Friday for my first semester at Harding. He also knew my Dad from their Harding days. Congratulations on receiving your reward and thank you for your example, Dr. Priest.

Robin Starck
Sheboygan, WI
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I am sad to hear of Dr. Priest's passing and happy to know he is enjoying his heavenly citizenship!

I had several classes with Dr. Priest and he was always a good and challenging teacher! I have had the honor of teaching math for the last 35 years and his instruction helped me start that journey.

Robin Starck '84'

Stephen Burks
Searcy, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I grew up next door to Dr. Priest. One of the best stories is when "little Dean" and i were building a bicycle ramp in the street to jump our bikes like Bo and Luke Duke of the Dukes of Hazzard. When Dr. Priest came out to check on us, he didn't tell us it was too dangerous, he showed us how to build a bigger and better ramp. What a wonderful next door neighbor to have as a kid. I am so thankful he has heard the "whistle" that it was time to go home.

keith rhodes
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

I am so sorry. He was so good as a person. He went out of his way as a teacher to get me through the rough spots

Danny & Karen Sullivan
N Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Many prayers of comfort for your entire family! He was a wonderful man and Christian example who touched many many lives! We love you!

David Daugherty
Seacy, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Wonderful, gentle giant of a man. He gave his all for Jesus Christ and he provided a genuine influence and example for all Christians to follow.

Soo Park
Seoul,
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

He was the most loving, generous teacher I've ever known. It was an honor to know such a man of God like Dr. Priest. He'll be sorely missed by so many on this earth but I know he is well with the Father, anxious to play squash once again. My sincere condolences.

John Tate
Jackson, TN
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Condolences on the loss of your father. He was a great man whom I know will be missed.

Althea Ferren
Vilonia, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

We rejoice knowing Mr. Priest is now at home with ABBA Father. We mourn our earthly loss. We lift you all in prayer as you transition to a new normal.

Leigh Anne ( Priest)
Hopkinsville, KY
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

Praying for you all. Love you and if you need me call. I loved my Sweet Uncle Dean and will miss him!!!

Melinda Reynolds
GREENBRIER, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 18, 2019

Matilda and family we are so sorry for your loss. You will be in our prayers.

Dale Foster
Cypress, TX
Liked
Thursday, April 18, 2019

God bless you in your loss.