Dean Riley Andrews

Dean Riley Andrews, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at home on February 6, 2025 in Concord North Carolina. Dean was a true Southern gentleman...soft spoken, true to his word and a friend you could count on. He was generous with his time and resources, a favorite "Uncle Dean" to his many nieces and nephews and a gifted storyteller with a quiet sense of humor.

Dean was born on September 9, 1928 the seventh of eight children of Clayton and Myrtle Andrews. He was raised on his father's tobacco farm in Guilford County, North Carolina. Many of his stories revolved around that time in his life and they were always entertaining. He graduated from McLeansville High School and was offered a full baseball and basketball scholarship to Elon College.

Dean met the love of his life, Betty Jean Ingle, on a double blind date when he was sixteen years old. By the end of the evening they had switched dates and never looked back. He and Betty eloped on August 30, 1947 after a baseball game with $10 in his pocket that his summer league baseball team had scraped together. Together through thick and thin, Betty and Dean were married for seventy years until Betty's death. During their marriage they developed five successful businesses with their three sons specializing in private label high performance yarns and apparel. Dean garnered respect throughout the textile industry for his honesty and hard work. He never asked anything of his employees that he and Betty would not do or had not done in the past. Many of his employees stayed with the company for years. Dean was still going into the office at age ninety-six. You could always tell when he was in the building by the bluegrass music blaring so loudly from his office that the walls in the conference room were vibrating.

Dean and Betty's home in Concord became an extended family gathering place for years. The door was always open and all were welcome all the time. Dean was an active member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Concord, North Carolina. He supported his children and grandchildren in all endeavors and was often present at school and sporting events. He supported his community through the Dean and Betty Andrews Endowed Scholarship at Rowan Cabarrus Community College, the Concord Boys and Girls Club and Epworth Church.

Dean is survived by his sons Gregory Andrews (Cordelia), Mark Andrews (Jenni) and daughter in law Deana Andrews (Christopher). He was Poppi Dean to Michael Andrews (Jessica), Samuel Andrews (Beverly), Meredith Andrews Hattaway (Jon), Meagan Andrews, Brittany Andrews Olshefski (Brian), Daniel Andrews, Laura Andrews (Kristin), Mary Margaret Andrews Hester (Michael) and Rachael Andrews Dennis (Weston). He was also Poppi Dean to twelve great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Dean's dear caregivers Sandy Collins, Beverly Mantooth, Janice Jones, Debbie Nix and Sandra Coleman. You all made Dean's last years immeasurably better through your love and care. We would also like to thank the staff at Atrium Hospice and Palliative Care for their wonderful care and support.

Dean was a bridge among multiple family generations...the steady hand, the wise words, the keeper of family history. His spirit will continue to guide our thoughts, words, and actions.
"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories".

Rest in peace Poppi Dean.

Service Details:

Dean's service is to be held on Sunday February 22, 2026 at Epworth United Methodist Church located at 1030 Burrage Road NE in Concord, North Carolina.

The family will receive from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the church narthex with the service commencing at 2:00 PM

Burial will follow in Carolina Memorial Park located at 3101 South Cannon Boulevard in Concord, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Concord Boys and Girls Club at 247 Spring Street NW Concord, North Carolina 28025.