Dean Gregory Smith, 78, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away on May 28, 2026. He was born on March 26, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Richard Silas Smith and Roberta (Hinds) Smith, both of whom preceded him in death.

Dean grew up in Kansas City, where he attended Shawnee Mission East High School with the class of 1966, earning letters in multiple sports. He excelled in swimming and diving and earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Oklahoma, where he became a proud member of the Beta Kappa chapter of Sigma Chi. Each summer during his youth, the family retreated to the mountains of Cuchara, Colorado — a tradition that would shape him and that he would one day carry forward for his own family, in a cabin he helped build with his own hands.

It was at OU that Dean met Elizabeth Ann Emery, known to all as Ann — a Chi Omega from Duncan, Oklahoma — and knew she was the one. They were married for 57 years, and family was the axis around which Dean’s whole life turned. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by the people he cherished most — and he had a gift for making every one of them feel seen, known, and loved.

Dean built a distinguished career in business, leading Cebis Supply and C&S Drilling, a demolition company, before following his heart into marketing. That calling took he and Ann to Plymouth, Minnesota, and Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin — the kids were out of the house by then — before they settled in Tulsa and eventually Savannah, Georgia, where they made their home.

A man of sharp wit and remarkable intellect, Dean was a proud member of Mensa and had a way with words that was entirely his own — whether holding court at the dinner table, crafting a perfectly turned phrase, or simply making someone laugh when they needed it most. His faith matched his character: active and genuine. He served as both deacon and elder in Presbyterian congregations throughout his life, including Village Presbyterian Church in Kansas City and most recently Skidaway Community Church in Savannah.

He is remembered for mowing the lawn in a Speedo with his socks pulled up to his knees — much to the chagrin of his sons — for the way his eyes lit up at the sight of his grandchildren, and for the joy he could barely contain when he learned he had a great-granddaughter, Emery Grace. He was a good and faithful man — devoted Christian, loving father, and loyal friend to all who knew him.

Dean was an only child and is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann Smith, of Savannah; his sons Jeff Smith (Janie Hartwig-Smith) of Bonner Springs, Kansas, and Martin Smith (Emily Eisenhart) of Savannah; four grandchildren: Jacob Smith (Amanda Binger) of Tucson, Arizona, Jordan Leon (Phil Leon) of Waterford Township, Michigan, Ashby Smith and Etta Smith of Savannah; and one great-grandchild, Emery Grace Smith of Tucson.

A small remembrance ceremony will be held for family at Blue Lake in Cuchara, Colorado, where he will live on in the memories of all who loved him.