Political community mourns passing of former Sen. Charlie Dean

Charlie Dean Sr., a giant in Citrus County politics who served 14 years in the Legislature after four terms as Sheriff, died Monday morning. He was 86.

Dean was born in Jacksonville but grew up in Inverness. He was elected Citrus County Sheriff in 1980, following his father, who held the same office 40 years earlier.

He served four terms, leaving in 1996 for a Senate District 20 run against Anna Cowin. Dean lost, but never gave up his pursuit for higher office.

Dean was elected in 2002 to the House, where he served until 2007. When then-Sen. Nancy Argenziano received a Public Service Commission appointment, Dean won the seat’s Special Election and stayed in the Senate until 2016.

Even after leaving politics, Dean still held high esteem in Citrus County. Dean was a towering figure, often seen wearing a cowboy hat from his ranching days.

“He was larger than life,” said former Commissioner Josh Wooten, now President of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. “His loyalty to his family and love of Citrus County was as big as he was.”

Citrus County Commissioner Rebecca Bays said Dean’s passing marks the end of an era in Citrus County.

“Charlie understood our community because he was part of it,” Bays said. “He led with steadiness, common sense, and a genuine respect for the citizens of this county.”

Senate President Ben Albritton warmly recalled Dean and his wife, Judy, in an announcement to Senators of Dean’s passing.

“A vibrant and captivating person, Senator Dean’s many stories and sayings honed over a career in law enforcement and as a cattleman are remembered fondly by those who knew him. A trusted friend of Senator Dean’s, who I spoke with this morning on the way to the office, described him as fiercely loyal. He said anyone who knew Senator Dean knew beyond the tough exterior was a tender heart that cared deeply for people,” Albritton said.

“Senator Dean was a dedicated family man and a strong advocate for Florida’s rural communities. Miss Judy’s famous chow-chow was a beloved session tradition during their time in service. I know the prayers of the entire Senate are with his family as they both grieve this profound loss and celebrate a long, full life.”

Agriculture Commissioner and former Senate President Wilton Simpson said he learned much from Dean.

“To me, he was like a father figure. He was a man of character, someone you could count on, someone you could do business with, but above all a man you would want in your foxhole for any battle,” Simpson said.

“He had so many incredible stories from his youth — his service to our country as a Marine, his service to Citrus County as our Sheriff, and his service to our state as Senator. In the political world there is no shortage of people who are good at lip service. Charlie Dean stood out as one who excelled in public service.”

Four years ago, the community gathered to herald him when the College of Central Florida announced the Charles S. Dean Sr. Educational Center, with a $1 million scholarship endowment in Dean’s name to the college from the Citrus County Hospital Board.

“Charlie Dean is a tremendous example of a great American,” hospital board Chair Debbie Ressler said at the time.

Sen. Ralph Massullo said Dean served his community well.

“Charlie Dean was the quintessential public servant, from his early years as a deputy before becoming Sheriff, he served and protected the people of Citrus County,” the Lecanto Republican said.

“Later, as a Florida legislator, first in the State House and then in the State Senate, he worked diligently for the people of our community and our state. I was always impressed by his concern for our people, their wellbeing, and our beautiful environment. He will be sorely missed, and I pray for God’s comfort and grace over his family.”

Dean is survived by his wife, Judy, son Charlie Jr., and daughter Shannon.