Edward "Eddie" Lovell Dean

Edward Lovell “Eddie” Dean Jr., affectionately known throughout Madison County and across Virginia as “Coach Dean,” passed away on September 14, 2026.

Eddie was born February 1, 1941, in Charlottesville, Virginia, to Edward Lovell Dean Sr. and Maggie Castle Dean. He graduated from Lane High School in 1959, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in 1966, and earned a master’s degree in mathematics from James Madison University in 1971.

Eddie began his teaching and coaching career at Collegiate School in Richmond in 1966 before coming to Madison County High School in 1967. He served Madison County High School for 38 years as a football coach, athletic director, and math teacher.

During his coaching career, Eddie accumulated 308 victories, ranking him among the winningest high school football coaches in Virginia history. His teams won three state championships, finished as state runner-up six times, captured 12 regional championships, and won 19 district championships. He was inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame and the Madison County High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Eddie also served as president of the Virginia High School Coaches Association (VHSCA) and was named National Football Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA).

But the wins and championships tell only part of Eddie Dean’s story.

Generations of young men considered Coach Dean a mentor, teacher, role model, and, in many cases, a father figure. Former players continued calling him long after their playing days were over—sometimes about football, but more often for advice about life. As the years passed, Eddie even coached the sons of men he had coached decades earlier.

Eddie’s service to Madison County continued well beyond the classroom and football field. He served on the Madison County Board of Supervisors from 2007 to 2011, serving as chairman of the Board for two years. He was one of the founders of Hoover Ridge Park and served on the Board of Directors of the James and Frankie Carpenter Foundation, including as its president.

Eddie and his wife, Anne Nichol Dean, celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary just a few weeks before his passing. Eddie and Anne were regulars at their grandchildren’s games, plays, concerts, and activities. If one of their grandchildren was participating, there was a good chance they were somewhere in the audience or stands.

Eddie was a member of Mt. Zion Community Church, where Damon Myers serves as pastor.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Nichol Dean; his children, Stuart Dean and wife Cynthia, Corey Dean and wife Heather, Maggie Breeden and husband Ben, and Paula Knight and husband Travis; his grandchildren, Isabella Dean, Lorelei Dean, Madeline Dean, Emily Dean, Josh Dean, Dean Breeden, Bryce Breeden, Thomas Knight, and Tenley Knight; and his brother, Phillip Dean and wife Lynn, of Richmond. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lovell Dean Sr. and Maggie Castle Dean, and his brother, Butch Dean.

There will be statistics attached to Coach Dean’s name for generations—308 wins, championships, trophies, and records. But his greatest legacy cannot be measured in wins. It can be found in the generations of young people he taught and coached, and especially in the former players who continued to call him Coach long after the games were over.

A private burial will be held for the family.

Coach Dean’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 19, at 2:00 p.m. in the Wetsel Gymnasium at Madison County High School. Family visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with additional time for visitation from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. following the celebration.

Preddy Funeral Home of Madison is in charge of arrangements.