Dean Hanawalt Vanderbilt
December 17, 1942 ~ July 15, 2024
Born in:
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Resided in:
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Dean Vanderbilt was a wise, sweet, loving, caring and deeply moral man.
He was happiest when he was supporting his family and co-workers, and when he was making a positive difference. He was quietly brilliant, earning a BSE from Yale, MS from UCLA and a PhD from MIT.
His most memorable work was in Dallas, TX, where he worked for ten years on the staff of the City Manager, ultimately becoming Budget Director. Several years later he was persuaded to run for the Dallas City Council. He was elected to three terms. He was widely acknowledged as a knowledgeable and effective member, earning the nickname “Clean Dean” from colleagues and the local press.
Dean loved playing golf with his son Read and tennis with his daughter Holly. He was immensely proud of his children and dedicated to supporting all their activities. He became a loving grandfather to their three children Lila, Mia and Jonah Kai.
Dean supported my real estate career in every way and was ahead of his time. He resigned as President of the North Texas Commission to run my real estate office and allow me to focus on my sales team. He was a mentor and leader for all the agents.
Dean and I retired to Playa del Carmen, Mexico, in 2004 and lived an idyllic life of leisure and travel. After ten years, Dean wanted to return to the U.S. and to his love of local politics, volunteering for several organizations and campaigns.
He was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia in 2016 and passed away peacefully July 15 at Park Springs.
Dean was my first and only love. We were married for 60 years in June. He was, and always will be, dearly beloved.
MissyVanderbilt
A Celebration of Dean’s Life will be scheduled
If you would like to make a donation in Dean’s memory, please consider the Park Springs Foundation, which gives scholarships to Park Springs employees and their families. Mail to the Park Springs Foundation, 500 Spring House, Stone Mountain, GA 30087
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All of us who knew Dean are the better for it. I really enjoyed being with him at the events where he volunteered to support Missy’s causes. I’m glad I am in the Vanderbilt Circle of Friends. We shall miss him so very much. Love to his wonderful family.