[2] Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Dey grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana,[3] and attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

[2] A skilled amateur golfer, Dey dropped out of college to become a sportswriter for New Orleans and Philadelphia newspapers and magazines.

Soon afterwards, Dey was approached by the United States Golf Association and offered a job helping to run its New York office.

After retirement, Dey held the honorary position of Captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for 1975.

[7] After a battle with cancer, Dey died at age 83 at his home on Long Island at Locust Valley, New York.