"Ebbie" Dees

Edwin “Ebbie” Carter Dees, born on January 27, 1946, was a beloved Daddy, Granddaddy, and steadfast friend to everyone. He passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at the age of 79. He knew November 1st was his day, and he planned it his way — and God’s way — without wavering, even when we wished otherwise.  We know that heaven gained an angel, we were loved and hope he knew how much we loved him.  

A native of Toombs County, Daddy was the fourth of six children born to Nathan and Eloise Carter Dees. He lived his entire life in Cedar Crossing.  He is preceded in death by his Mama and Daddy, his son Brent (who he missed so much), his brothers Tommy and Buddy, an infant brother, and J. Hall NeeSmith, who was like a daddy to him.  We know he is so glad to see them again.

Daddy was a man of remarkable character - one of a kind for sure!  He was smart, hardworking, forgiving, and stern when necessary, yet ultimately tender and sweet at his core. He lived by an unwavering code of unconditional love and fierce support, always showing up for his family and friends (the one you could always count on)  A man that lived by his word.  He was our anchor, our constant, our hero, our smiles, our laughs and our very own blue-eyed buzzard.  

He was very soft spoken.  He was the shoulder you could lean on and the ear that listened, truly caring for everyone. He taught us to "always be a leader, not a follower," and that "just because everyone else does it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to." He believed “the early bird gets the worm" and that anyone blessed enough to count five true friends on one hand was wealthy indeed. He was a little curious and set in his ways, too.

Daddy was a jack-of-all-trades; just hand him a hammer and screwdriver, and he could fix anything. He retired as a heavy equipment mechanic and logger. He was not a materialistic person; small things meant more to him, and he marched to the beat of his own drum.

He loved to stay busy, working in the yard, fishing and tinkering on things.  And cook, he was the best cook.  He found joy in helping others.  He was a passionate historian for his family, always ready to discuss family ancestry or just sit and chat with the people he loved. He cared deeply for his possessions (things he pieced together) and all living things, including the animals in his pond.

We will always remember his famous words that his children felt deeply: when we erred, he would simply say, "I didn’t raise you like that." It was a silent reprimand that taught us responsibility—letting ourselves down was one thing, but letting him down would break our hearts.

We are eternally grateful for the best parts of him we carry forward: his extraordinary work ethic, his sense of FAMILY FIRST, always!, his distinct blue eyes, and his treasured sense of humor. We also cherish his famous nicknames, his love of chocolate desserts, and his admirable frugalness. And yes, to all who noticed, a few of us are honored to bear his nose, ears, and feet—a growing reminder, as he often joked, of the legacy he leaves behind. Daddy brought so much joy to our lives; we are blessed beyond words.

Survived by: Daughters: Sondy and Joe Cartwright, and Shawnee and Jeremy Wood.

Grandchildren: Alexandria Bradley (Lance Bradley), Erin Blankenbiller (Ryan Page), Adalyn Wood, and Dylan “Brent” Blankenbiller.Great-Grandson: Holden Brooks Bradley.

Brothers: Louie Dees (Diane) and Mike Dees (Debbie) and just like brothers Al Dees, Gary NeeSmith and Johnny Beasley; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was also "Extra Papa" to Emmie and Ruth Dees and countless others.

Daddy brought so much joy to our lives.  We can’t put into words how grateful we are that we were blessed with him - because if you knew him - you understood that.  We are also grateful to all his family, friends, neighbors and others that touched his life

A visitation will be held on Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2025 from 1:00 until just prior to the service at Cedar Crossing Baptist Church. 

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday afternoon, November 5, 2025, at 3:00 at Cedar Crossing Baptist Church with Pastor Reece Mincey and Pastor Ronald Cobb officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Crossing Cemetery. 

The obituary was written by his daughters, Sondy and Shawnee. 

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements. 

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