Dean William Chase III

Dean W. Chase III passed away May 21, 2025, peacefully in his sleep at home, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. He was a man of few words but had an incredible sense of humor that brought joy to everyone who knew him. His selfless nature, giving heart, and gentle spirit touched countless lives.

Dean was born April 24, 1936, in Cleveland, Tennessee, to Lillian and Dean Chase, Jr. He graduated from Baylor School, Chattanooga, TN in 1954. He then attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and graduated in 1958. Upon graduation, he went to work with his father at Chase Appliance Company, (later becoming Chase Heating and Air), which received the MainStreet Cleveland Commitment Award in 2003 for having a downtown business in the same location for three generations.

Dean had a deep love of music, especially the tunes of Jimmy Buffet and classic country—which often filled the background of his days. Whether on the golf course, working with his hands in the woodshop, or relaxing by the river or at a campfire in Tellico, he found peace in the simple pleasures of life.

He was more than just a devoted father—he was a source of pride and inspiration. His children proudly say, “Dean is my Dad,” knowing he was not only a loving father but also a respected and cherished member of the community. He was the oldest active member of Bulls and Bears, longtime member of Elks Lodge and Cleveland Country Club, a supporter of The Boys and Girls Club of the Ocoee Region, The Arts in Education and Business Council of the Cleveland Bradley Chamber of Commerce, Past President and longtime member of MainStreet Cleveland, as well as a member of the Airport Board. Dean never turned away someone in need; he had a heart big enough to care for everyone and made time for anyone who needed a helping hand.

Dean’s presence in the community, his quiet strength, and his open-hearted generosity made him truly unforgettable. He was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Dean was married to June, his devoted and loving wife for 68 years; father to Pam and her husband Charlie, Meg, Chris, Jennie and her husband Dean; grandfather to Tiffany, Jeff, Natalie, Jimmy, Emily, Chase and Kaelyn, Emma and Abbie; and great grandfather to Harper, Evans, and Grant; and, of course, uncle to his brother Jimmy’s family. Extended family includes Hayden and Jackie Robinson, as well as Sarah and Wes Nobles and their children, Brooks and Ava.

Visitation will be held at Poole Funeral Home Friday May 30th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm and the Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, May 31st at 12:30 pm at St. Therese Catholic Church in Cleveland TN. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Dean’s name to The Cleveland Boys and Girls Club, Shriners Hospital for Children, or the charity of your choice.