Harold Dean Tinsley

Harold Dean Tinsley, 80, of Akron, passed away at home on August 13, 2026. Known to family and friends as Dean, he was born in Akron on April 24, 1946 to the late Murphy and Mary (nee Thornell) Tinsley.

Dean graduated from East High School before earning a Bachelor Degree in Industrial Management from the University of Akron.

Through common friends, Dean was set up on a blind date with Carolyne Jarrard and they soon realized they were meant for one another. They married on January 20, 1967 and embarked on a love story that lasted 59 years.

Dean enlisted in the United States Air Force and he and Carolyne relocated to Grand Forks, North Dakota where he served as a missile launch officer. They welcomed their first daughter, Sheri before Dean was honorably discharged from his service with the rank of Captain.

Dean and Carolyne decided to return to Akron, Ohio to be close to family. Dean held various jobs throughout the years before finding his dream job in the electronics department at The Home Depot. He loved going to work each day, walking the aisles, and chatting with customers who became friends. Dean even kept treats in his pockets for the dogs that came into the store.

In his free time, Dean could often be found fishing from the shores of local lakes. He never forgot the time a fish stole his pole and cut his trip short.

He had a beautiful singing voice, which he shared as a member of the Akron Baptist Temple Quartet. He toured with the group for years and also sang at countless weddings and funerals.

If you knew Dean, you knew him as a gentle and kind person who gave terrific hugs. He loved to bless others with thoughtful acts of generosity. Many people still treasure the personalized coasters he made from a beloved tree.

Although this world is a little less bright without Dean in it, we know that he is safe in God's presence and we will be reunited once again.

In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Hannah; and sister, Martha St. John.

Dean will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Carolyne; daughter and son-in-law, Sheri and Bob Watkins; granddaughters, Wendi (Jordan) Mobley and Kelsey Watkins; great-grandsons, Elijah and Isaac Mobley; and many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 11:30 am until the start of the funeral service at 12:30 pm at Connect Church, 578 Killian Rd., Akron, Ohio 44319. Procession to Hillside Memorial Park following the service.

To honor Dean, please wear your favorite Hawaiian or flannel shirt to his service.

To leave a special message for Dean's family, please visit the guestbook below.