Franklin E Dees

FRANKLIN ELLIOTT DEES

   Franklin Elliott Dees, age 88, of Huntington Beach, CA passed away peacefully on September 20, 2021 with his family by his side.

   Franklin “Frank” Dees was born in Bayboro, North Carolina to Julius and Vivian Dees on November 18, 1932.  He went to high school at Alliance High School and graduated in 1951.  He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1955.  Frank was a proud alumnus of UNC and even prouder Tar Heel(s).

   After graduating from college in 1955 Frank’s drive and ambition pointed him west to California where his first job was a Buyer/Purchasing Agent for Bechtel in the southern part of the state.  It was during this time he fell in love with the steel industry.  Eventually, after leaving Bechtel Frank began to establish himself in the steel industry with the numerous business opportunities that it provided him.  He had a very successful career in the steel industry.  He was Owner/President of F & S Metals and then Owner/President of Ener-Tech Metals Inc.  Frank retired in 2016 with 60 years in the steel industry.  Frank was a friend and mentor to many in this industry.

   Frank had many things that he enjoyed in his life.  He enjoyed fishing, especially when he went back home to Bayboro, North Carolina to visit his family.  Frank also had a passion for horse racing and even owned a few racehorses.  It was a common site to see him at Santa Anita and the old Hollywood Park racetrack on a Saturday or Sunday to watch the horse races.  Frank also enjoyed an active social life with his friends.  He really enjoyed going to the restaurants in the Long Beach area.  His favorite restaurant was Nico’s Restaurant in the Naples area of Long Beach.  He enjoyed spending time at the restaurant with his good friends: George, Holger, and Lowell a.k.a  “EASY”.  Many of his friends affectionately gave him the nickname, “The Godfather”, in reference to his favorite movie.  Frank had a great zest for life.

   Frank is survived by his son, Randall Dees of Huntington Beach, CA; daughter, Cheryl Dees Fuson of Bend, OR; grandson, Carrick Fuson of Bend, OR;

granddaughter, Avery Fuson of Bend, OR; nephew, Doug McCotter of Sparta, MI; nephew, Charles Dees of New Bern, NC; nephew, Abbott Dees of Greenville, NC; nephew, Cameron Johnston of Capistrano Beach, CA; nephew, Justin Johnston of San Clemente, CA; niece, Mary McCotter Fritzler of Bayboro, NC; cousin, Ann Rolison of Raleigh, NC; cousin, Mary Linden of Greenville, NC; sister-in-law, Glenda Dees of Bayboro, NC; sister-in-law, Carin Johnston of Laguna Beach, CA; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

   Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Dees; father, Julius Dees; mother, Vivian Dees; brother, Julius Dees Jr.; brother, Benjamin Dees; brother, Charles Dees; sister, Eula Mae Walker; sister, Joan Dees Hanson.

   Frank was a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend.  Dad you will always be loved by your family and missed by everyone.  Until we meet again...

   A memorial service will be determined at a later date.

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