Dexter M. Lane, 81, of Chattanooga, Tenn., died Sunday, November 16, 2014, at his home following a life of faithful, devoted service to many.
“Dek” was born on August 26, 1933 in a log cabin in Middlesboro, Ky. Following a childhood in Elizabethton, Tenn., he married, had children, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Korean War. After his service was complete, he, his wife and children lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, before moving to Chattanooga where he spent the final 35 years of his life.
“Granddaddy,” as his eight grandchildren affectionately knew him, was a steady, strong and gentle presence in the lives of an adoring family, respecting friends and admiring neighbors. A man of quiet trust and adoration of God, his generous manner and warmth was an example for others. And he was the one so many called for help, for he could fix just about anything.
An avid fan of UT football and Lady Vols basketball, “Dek” not only enjoyed discussing the latest developments on the team, but also ribbing any Alabama fans nearby as he also loved to laugh and had a pleasant sense of humor. He found pleasure in a NASCAR race as well.
Of course, his primary devotions were to his children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than the company of these that he loved with such fidelity, warmth and constancy.
“Dek” was preceded in death by his parents, J. Ernest and Katie B. Lane Woods; a brother, James E. Lane Jr.; a sister, Coleen L. Todd; and a beloved daughter, Teresa L. Smith.
Dexter is survived by a sister, Frances Woods of Lakeside, Calif., his daughter, Debbie L. Youngblood of Flintstone, Ga., Bryan (Brenda) Lane of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Jim (Michelle) Henderson of Dexter, Mich., and Thomas Lowman, whom he adored as a son. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, G. Eric Youngblood of Lookout Mountain, Ga., Meresa Y. Pope of Boone, N.C., Gabe L. Smith of Dalton, Ga., Ara and Matthew Lane of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Trevor, Nicole and Kylie Henderson of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is further survived by six great-grandchildren, W. Kahler and E. Ander Youngblood of Lookout Mountain, Ga., Rhianna G. and M. Luka Verholek of Boone, N.C., and Garrett and Maya Smith of Dalton, Ga.
A memorial service will be held at noon Friday, November 21, at Wilson Funeral Home in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home and from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday.
Arrangements are by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home-Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.