Samuel Thomas Deason, Jr., 97, of Donelson, Tennessee, departed this world for his heavenly home on May 3, 2024. He was born on July 7, 1926 in Shelbyville, Tennessee, to parents, Samuel and Minnie Deason. He was the first of the Deason children to be born and the last of his siblings to leave this world behind.
Mr. Deason was raised in Shelbyville and graduated from Shelbyville Central High School. Following graduation, he joined the Army of the United States of America and fought in World War II. After serving his country in the Armed Forces, he embarked on a fifty-six year career performing mechanical, plumbing and electrical work for several firms. Mr. Deason also served for twenty-one years with the Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department before moving to Nashville.
Mr. Deason will be remembered as one who “could fix anything”. He was very meticulous and disciplined in every area of his life. A godly man, he was as faithful with his daily prayer life as he was about having his morning cup of coffee. He believed (knew) prayer was the answer to everything. Discipline is good, but there was more to him than work as he also knew how to relax and have fun.
For years, he enjoyed fishing with his kids and grandkids along with watching his grandkids play various sports and participate in other activities. Together, he and Mrs. Deason enjoyed bowling in the same league for more than thirty years. As a team, for more than thirty years, the two also taught the pre-school children at Two Rivers Baptist Church. He was very involved in the church and served on numerous committees. With the same passion for the Lord, Mr. Deason loved spending time with his wife, their children, their grandchildren, and their great grandchildren. He was an humble man and an amazing role model. He loved well . . . was well-loved . . . and will be deeply missed.
Mr. Deason is preceded in death by his father, Samuel Thomas Deason, Sr.; his mother, Minnie DuShane Deason; brother, John William Deason, Sr.; sister, Margaret Rose Jackson; brother, James Franklin Deason; and a son, Jonathan Todd Deason.
Mr. Deason is survived by his loving wife of fifty-three years, Mary Elizabeth Deason; son, Darryl Thomas Deason (Terry); daughter, Tammy Renee Holder (Donald); son, Samuel Troy Deason (Carol); grandchildren Tara Winton (Justin), Erin Walters (Sloan), Brittany Friedmann (Patrick), Donnie Holder, Jr. (Whitney), Christian Deason, Greg Deason, Brad Deason, Jane Crothers (Clay), Mark Deason, Clay Deason; great grandchildren Max Winton, Margaret Winton, Thad Walters, Crosby Walters, Breckin Walters, Landon Friedmann, Lucy Friedmann, Sloan Holder, Reagan Holder, Rhett Holder, Maryah Bryant, and Maverick Williams.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends on Tuesday, May 7, from 12pm – 2pm in the Rachel Visitation Room at the Hermitage Funeral Home. A Celebration of Mr. Deason’s Life will begin at 2:00pm in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home with Pastor Poly Rouse officiating. Clay Crothers and Patrick Friedmann will serve as pallbearers, along with grandsons, Greg Deason, Brad Deason, Mark Deason, Clay Deason, and Donnie Holder, Jr. Following the service, Mr. Deason will be laid to rest in the Garden of Peace at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society (www.donate.cancer.org) in Mr. Deason's memory. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Deason family at www.HermitageFH.com.
