John Paul Dean

John Paul Dean, DDS, of North Little Rock, died peacefully at home on October 13, 2021. He was born June 13, 1935, in North Little Rock. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sue Hamilton Dean; his children, Dr. David, Dr. John (Bliss), and Suzanna Bannerman (Dr. Drew). Six grandchildren, Anna Bliss Dean, Abby Bannerman, Andrew Dean, Woodrow Dean, Caroline Dean, and Benjamin Bannerman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ina and J.P. (Izzy) Dean, and his sister, Ina Claire Dugan. He graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1953 and the University of Tennessee Dental School in 1958, followed by a two-year internship in Virginia. He practiced dentistry in North Little Rock for 56 years and enjoyed the lifelong friendships he developed with his patients and peers. Paul was always the first person to help others in times of need. He served on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners and was an advocate and mentor to newly graduated dental students. Known as Poppa by all his grandchildren, Paul developed a special relationship with each grandchild. Paul was a long time member of Park Hill Baptist Church. His loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts, but we take a lot of comfort in knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father and is sitting somewhere telling old stories with a chocolate milkshake in hand and Willie Nelson tunes playing in the background. Thank you for all you did for us. We are all better people for having known and loved you. Visitation will be held at Park Hill Baptist Church on October 29, at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Paul's memory to NLR Young Life (nlr.younglife.org) P.O. Box 94113, North Little Rock, Ark., 72116, or Park Hill Baptist Church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076, 501-982-3400. Paul's online guestbook is available at: www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com