Felix Llewellyn Dees was born May 23, 1953 in Yuma, Arizona to John and Allily Dees. He passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2020 in Phoenix, AZ.
Felix was raised on the family ranch known as “the island” with his 15 brothers and sisters. He was the 2nd to last child born and the baby of the boys. His parents owned a farm and there the children worked. There he was raised in a faithful household and learned the value of being independent, hard work, what it meant to have strong work ethics, importance of love & sharing and not to mention his appreciation for country music. Every time he put on his cowboy boots, he had a big ole smile and a funny story to tell. If his nephew Maurice was around, you knew you wouldn’t stop laughing the entire night. Felix was always the jokester, he was never without a smile and his laugh was one you can never forget. He graduated from Yuma High School and went to Arizona Western College where he received his Associate’s Degree in Arts. He enrolled Arizona State University to pursue his degree in Sociology however; while he longed to become a police officer he realized he couldn’t handle the sight of blood. Instead he held a longstanding career over 40 years within the communications field. He’s worked for Mountain Bell, US West Communications, Volt Telecom and up until his passing at Pauley Construction. He was loved & respected by so many of his co-workers. He was a man of faith and truly loved his family which could be seen with all the time and effort he and others put in over the years to ensure the annual John Dee-Da Family Reunion took place. Felix was always advocating to his family during the reunions about health, getting annual checkups and the importance of higher education. Specifically, for those who were applying to college to also apply to the John Dee-Da Scholarship. As a man who practiced what he preached, later in life he received his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Phoenix in Business Management. Felix enjoyed many sports basketball, volleyball, golfing on Saturday, being around his family, watching sports and was Arizona Proud. He always rooting for and/or seen wearing clothing representing his hometown be it ASU, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals & AZ Diamondbacks. There have even been a few times where he found himself rooting for his daughter Abrina’s favorite team Green Bay Packers.
Felix was preceded in death by brothers: Vearl, Aldover, Melvin, Alexander & Oliver Dees; Sisters: Delores Martin, Loreatha Williams, Iva Pittman, Geraldine Works, Glenda L. Russell, Velma Dees, Olivia L. Redmond, and Claudia Arbuckle
Felix leaves to share his memory, his wife of 35 years Connie; Son: Michael Dees (Jerlyn) of Phoenix AZ, two Daughters shared with Kathy Dees: Abrina Dees-Leon (Mitchell Jr.) of Las Vegas, NV, Felicia Dees Nowling (Shamon) of Ridgefield, CT, Robyn Ralls of Gilbert AZ & Fara Gibson (Jim) of Gilbert AZ
17 Grandchildren: Darius, Akellah, Camrron, Marcus, Detrick, Jaenae, Socorra, Fabian, Jayden, Kiera, Dominic, Vanessa, Shayla, Chelsey, Skylar, Sydney & Jack, Sister, Mell Hall of Mesa, AZ; and Brother Elmo (Joann) of Yuma Arizona. Brother in law, Jeff Jolley (Aletha), Todd Shell (Kelly), and Tanner Shell all of Mesa, AZ. Not to be unmentioned are his many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews who loved their “Flex”/ “Uncle FeFe”/ “Felix the Cat”/ “Cat” dearly as well as a host of friends.
Due to Covid, a Celebration of Life Memorial for Felix will be held at a later date in October. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you can to donate to the Felix Memorial Fund whose proceeds will go to the John Dee-Da Scholarship helping send kids off to higher education – something that was close to Felix’s heart.
I loved my uncle Felix he was always there for me whenever I needed him he never treated me different like some because of my being adopted he loved me and my kids just the same so thank you uncle Felix I will forever keep you in my heart our condolences to Abrina Felicia Michael and Aunt Connie
Sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great man and friend. Thinking of you and family with many thoughts and prayers for you Connie.
He will be thought of for many years by many people
My prayers are with the family. Felix was special. I worked with him for many years. He, on the construction site, me on engineering. Many times I would get a call from him to meet him in the field. Time for a teaching moment. He would have a way of pointing out that I screwed up, but never made me feel bad. Just so I wouldn’t do it again. He was a great mentor. His teachings helped me through many years. He will be missed, but know whenever you think of him, he is there and not forgotten.
We are so sorry for your loss. Felix was a good man with a big heart and gentle soul! He will be missed. God Bless your loved ones with love and peace in knowing Felix will always be in your hearts. Love to you all!
Flex man a dear friend and truly loved by all that enteracted with. A true brother with a huge heart and appreciation for life and positive outcomes. Rest in peace my Brother you will truly be missed. Roccman
To the most Amazing Man and Bonus Dad I could have ever dreamed of having in life,
Thank you for your Guidance, and for your Unconditional love and support in life. You are the most loving Man I know in this world. I will cherish every moment I was Blessed with you in it. I am so Thankful for the time you spent with Jim and I in the recent months. Thanks for picking me up on the side of the road in Laughlin when I thought the distance between our hotels wasn’t very far ha ha. Thanks for introducing my Hubby to the Clown Game at Harrah’s because every time we take our annual trip to Harrah’s we will play the clowns for you. Thank you for taking my Hubby and son under your wing on the golf course in the past few months, Jim learned patience and confidence on the golf course through your love. Thank you for giving me the love of a Father that I will cherish for all time. Thank you for remembering my Birthday. Thank you for sharing your amazing family with me through life that have now become my family for always. My life is full of love because you are in it. You will always be at my side guiding me in all that I do and I am so blessed to feel your love surrounding me from Heaven. May you soar with the Angels and watch over us always.
My sincere condolence
Worked with him for 25+ years
Worked with Flex and he will be missed.
May he rest in peace, prayers go to his family.
My prayers are with Felix’s family. Felix was a friend and a man I looked up to. I had the pleasure of working for him and with him for many years and truly was a man of his word and was respected by all. He will be missed by all who knew him. Hell of a good man!!
I ran track and Cross Country with Felix, Olli and Elmo. Felix always had a smile and a good way about him. Sorry for everyone’s loss, Vic and Donna Wall
I enjoyed working with Felix, he will be missed greatly by the Pauley family. I will miss his humor and smile the most, you could not help but smile when he was around.
Prayers to Connie and his entire family.
We both had the good fortune to work with Felix for many years at the phone company. He had that easy going and gentle way about him that made it so easy to like and respect him. Our sincere condolences to the family for your loss.
We Love you Felix, You and your family were and still is a big part of who I am today through the Faith we all shared in the Lord in Our younger years , Thanks for teaching, preaching and sharing wisdom with me your other younger Sister, Deb🌺🌺🌺Rest in the comfort of God’s arms, Rip Felix my brother 🌺
I am deeply saddened by the loss you and your family have encountered. May God give you peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Felix
Felix we will miss your smiling face and hearty laugh throughout the neighborhood. Always enjoyed talking to you. We didn’t know you long but you left a lasting impression of what a true friend and neighbor can be. We loved your sense of humor. You will be dearly missed by many
Felix was one of my favorite people on the Island growing up. Since he and my brother Terry worked in the same field being around Felix always made me feel like I was around my extended family. He always had a smile and kind word. I will miss him. I send my love out to his wife Connie and the children, the whole family. A big loss to many. Praying for signs from heaven to smooth the path for all missing him. Sad I did not call him sooner for that dinner he and I planned to have up here in the valley. Dang Covid year. Sending love out.