Richard Dees

DEES, WAYNE 75, of Birmingham passed away on Feb. 3, 2011. Dees was born July 18, 1934 in Birmingham. He was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Hall Dees; brother, Charles Luther (Bubba) Dees and sister-in-law, Juanita Dees. He married Bess Yearby Dees in 1954 and shared a loving life with her for 56 years. In 1957, Dees enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until 1959. He then worked for The Birmingham News, laying the foundation to what would be a successful business career. An entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word, he began Wayne Dees Mailing Service in 1966. His most current business venture was Christmas Village Festival, one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the south. In his personal life, Dees was an avid model train collector and builder, for which he won several awards. He also loved flowers and took much pride in tending to his home gardens. Dees was a loving family man, doting on daughters Wendy and Lisa. He was lovingly referred to as Pop-Pop by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren, with all of whom he shared a close relationship. He loved the Lord and nurtured his spiritual relationship for 50 years at Taylor United Methodist Church. Dees was a loving, thoughtful and giving man who deeply cared for his family, friends and community. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Bess Dees; brother, Benjamin Dees (Anita); sisters, Barbara Smith (Paul) and Frances Goolsby; daughters, Wendy Melvin (Chris) and Lisa Fullilove (Larry); grandchildren, Casey Melvin, Coley Melvin (Alandra), Carly Melvin, Cristopher Melvin (fiancee Dailee Knowles), Casey Fullilove Palmer (David) and Dylan Fullilove; great grandchildren, Maggy and Masen Melvin and his beloved dog LuLu. Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. The funeral service will be held the following day, Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. at Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church. If a donation is preferred, it can be given to Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, 2501 Sweeny Hollow Rd, Birmingham, AL 35215.