James Dean Williams

James Dean Williams, a lifelong resident of Crestview, Florida, passed away unexpectedly in an accident on May 12, 2025. He was 65 years old.

Dean was known for his unwavering love for his family, his strong faith, his generous heart, and his ability to make everyone feel like a friend. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Dean was a skilled painter by trade and the proud owner of James Dean Williams Painting Inc. Through hard work, dedication, and integrity, he built a respected business and a reputation as someone you could always count on—not just to get the job done, but to do it with kindness and pride.

He was preceded in death by his father, JT Williams, and his brother, Doug Williams.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years JoAn, his daughters, Amanda Graham (Bryan) and Kacy McKinney, who were the pride of his life; his mother, Nelda (Polly) Ferdon; and his sister, Rita George.

Dean was also a devoted “PopPop” to his grandsons, Hayden and Bryce, who were the light of his life. He leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who all felt like family.

Dean was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He taught his daughters by example—through hard work, love, and showing up—and passed that same wisdom on to his grandboys. Whether it was teaching them how to fish, throw a cast net, or drive down backroads, he was always patient, present, and proud.

Some of Pop Pop’s happiest days were spent on the river fishing with friends, teaching Hayden and Bryce the tricks of the cast net, or sitting in the bleachers cheering them on at their ballgames. He also shared a love of working on his Mustang with them and taking them to the races—creating memories they will carry with them always. Dean also loved traveling with his buddies to Edmonton, Canada, for hunting trips—though everyone knew the time with his friends was just as important as the hunt itself.

Dean was a man of deep faith in Jesus Christ and never hesitated to share that faith with others. He never met a stranger and was comfortable in any situation. If he brought you fried mullet, you were family. If you needed help, he gave it—no questions asked.

He was a great cook, a hard worker, a loyal friend, and a man who loved with his whole heart. And he was deeply loved in return. That love, and the life he built around it, will always be his greatest legacy.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 1st at 1:00 pm followed by a service at 2:00p.m. at Brackney Funeral Home in Crestview, Florida.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

—Revelation 21:4