Paul "Dean" Philbeck, age 87, of Caroleen, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Forest City.

Dean was born May 26, 1933 in Rutherford County to the late Durham Philbeck and Lillie Belle Sisk Philbeck. He was a graduate of Tri-High School, class of 1951 and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Dean worked for PPG as an Inspector/Consultant for many years before retirement. He enjoyed watching sports and going to the beach. Dean was a regular part of the "morning group" at Hardees and the "lunch crowd" at Hutchins Snack Bar.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Strantz Philbeck and two sons, Paul Dean Philbeck, Jr. and Robert Glen Philbeck.

Those left to cherish his memory are several nieces and nephews which includes his nephew and caretaker, Larry Womack of Forest City.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, July 17, 2020 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Rodger Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com