Carl Dees, 87, of Hermitage, AR went to his heavenly home on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Born in Longview, Texas, November 29, 1934, he was the youngest son of Thomas Wilson Dees and Audrey Mae Allen Dees.
The Oil & Gas Industry brought his family to Bradley County, AR when he was a very young boy. He grew up in the Farmville community, and was a graduate of Hermitage High School, where he played basketball, his favorite sport.
Affectionately known as “Tootsie” to his many friends and family, he began working as a mechanic for Southern Bradley Sawmill, which later became Potlach. As he married and started his family, he joined the Arkansas Army National Guard. He later became a full-time mechanic there, serving his country for 42 years before retiring in 1996.
He was an avid hunter of many things; deer, bird, duck, and raccoon, but his favorite was turkey hunting with his brother, Tom. He was also a great fisherman, and spent many hours on the Saline and Ouachita Rivers. It was a known fact in the county that when the fish weren’t biting, Tootsie Dees would pull up to the bank with a boat load.
The greatest joy of his life, were his three children, Fran, Curt, and Rhnee, and their families. He loved them unconditionally, shared his wisdom with them throughout their lives, and always gave them the best advice.
Preceding him in death are his parents Thomas W. and Audrey Dees, his brothers Ray and Tom Dees, an infant sister, a sister-in-law Elaine Dees, and the mother of his children Shirley Givens.
Those left to cherish his memories are his children, Fran Marquez (Rey), Curt Dees (Cindy), and Rhnee Rodgers.
Grandchildren Michelle Moseley (Bo), Jamie Graves (Crystal), Jonathan Dees, Lee Wright, Amie Vinson (Eli), Chris Wright (Kelly), Leslie Dees, and Lynsee Duncan (Drew). Twenty-one great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, two special nephews David and Linwood Dees, an aunt, Doris Modisette, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Holly Springs Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 1:00 till service time, Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Frazer’s Funeral Home.
