A native of Colquitt, GA, Harold Dean also lived in Baker Co., GA and moved to Albany at a young age. He was a 1953 graduate of Albany High School where he lettered in football, baseball and basketball. Harold Dean was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Georgia where he earned all SEC honors as a freshman starter. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and later a Masters Degree in Education and Administration from Middle Tennessee State University.
Harold Dean began his coaching career at the newly formed Central High School in Thomasville from 1958. He coached football, girls’ basketball and taught Physical Education. He left Central in 1961 and returned to Albany as assistant football coach to the late Pat Field, longtime mentor and friend. Harold Dean succeeded Coach Field as head coach and held that position for six years. He also served as Headmaster at Worth Academy and Riverview Academy before becoming Director of Plant Services for Doughty County School System where he remained for thirteen years. After leaving there, he taught Physical Education and was Assistant football coach at Fitzgerald High School for one year. Then he became Director of Plant Services for the Worth County School System where he remained until his retirement in 1996.
Harold Dean was inducted into the Albany Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and served on the Selection Committee for a number of years. He was also a member of the UGA Letterman’s Club and Wally’s Boys.
Harold Dean was a member of Byne Memorial Baptist Church and the A&P Sunday School Class.
Mr. Cook was also a Master Brick and Stone Mason and was always known for his hard work ethic. He loved to garden and work in his yard. He also enjoyed fishing and taking canoe trips with his friends. Also when his children were young, he took his family on camping trips every summer. Harold Dean was a big Country Music fan, as well as Cajun and Blue Grass.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Payne Cook of Albany, GA, two daughters, Kim Hays and her husband, Jeff of Cumming, GA, Kelly Cook of Albany, GA, a son, Steve Cook and his wife April of Lee Co., GA and five grandchildren, Jennifer Ramirez and her husband David of Jacksonville, FL, Kelcie Hays, Harrison Hays both of Cumming, GA, Tyler Cook and McKenzie Cook both of Lee County, GA.
The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Mathews Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make donations to Byne Memorial Baptist Church, 2832 Ledo Road, Albany, GA 31707 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter, 1512-1 Gillionville Road, Albany, GA 31707.
To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews’ website at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com. Mathews Funeral Home 229-435-5657
Mathews Funeral Home
229-435-5657
