Charles "Mitch" Mitchell Deason

Mitch was born on January 29, 1939, in Parrish, Alabama, to the late James Loyace Deason and Lurlie Appling Deason. From an early age, he learned the meaning of hard work alongside his father and his brother, James, on the family farm. Those early lessons in perseverance, responsibility, and determination became qualities that would define Mitch throughout his life. As a young man, Mitch also worked at Son’s Grocery Store in Jasper. He graduated from Walker High School, where he was a standout football player and earned numerous honors, including recognition as an All-County player. He continued his education at Walker College before graduating from the University of Alabama, an accomplishment that began a long and successful professional career.

Mitch spent much of his career with Alabama Power Company, steadily working his way through a number of positions and taking on greater responsibilities along the way. His roles included serving as an assistant comptroller and later leading the company’s customer service department. Mitch was respected for his strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication, and he was regarded highly and remembered fondly by the many people with whom he worked.

For 40 years, Mitch shared his life with his beloved wife, Barbara Anne Taylor Deason. Their years together were filled with love, companionship, and the many ordinary moments that, over a lifetime, become the most treasured memories.

Of all his accomplishments, being a father was among the roles Mitch treasured most. He took a genuine interest in the lives of his children and made sure they knew they had his support. He was there for Susan during her years in gymnastics in junior high school and proudly followed Scott through Little League baseball and football. When Scott’s interests shifted from athletics to playing in the high school band, Mitch’s support never wavered. What mattered to him was not what his children chose to pursue, but that they knew their father was behind them.

Mitch loved being outdoors and could often be found working in the yard or enjoying a ride on his pontoon boat at the lake. A devoted Alabama football fan, he also enjoyed professional football and, in his later years, became an enthusiastic Philadelphia Eagles fan. Golf came into his life a little later. Despite missing three fingers on his left hand, Mitch decided in his middle years to pick up a set of clubs and join his friends on the golf course. It was characteristic of the way he lived his life—he did not allow obstacles to decide what he could or could not do.

Mitch was a member of Hunter Street Baptist Church and believed in giving both his resources and his time to others. His generosity was often quiet and personal. He made donations when he saw a need, physically helped those who needed an extra hand, visited people in the hospital, and even made a point of taking lunch to the local fire station on holidays. For Mitch, caring for others was not something that needed recognition; it was simply something worth doing.

The work ethic Mitch learned from his father carried him through difficult seasons and helped shape the life he built. He faced hardships, persevered through them, and became a devoted son to his parents, a loving and supportive father to his children, and a successful and respected professional. More importantly, he became a man whose kindness, determination, generosity, and loyalty left an impression on those fortunate enough to know him.

In addition to his parents, James Loyace Deason and Lurlie Appling Deason, Mitch was preceded in death by his brother, James Robert Deason.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Barbara Anne Taylor Deason; his children, Susan (Jay) Gibson and Scott (Dana) Deason; his grandchildren, Alec Christopher Deason and Jesslyn Gilliland; his great-granddaughter, Whitley Brown; his nieces, Marybeth (Bob) Leirer and Mitzie (Mark) DeRoy; his nephew, James (DeeAnne) Deason; and many other family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Funeral services will be held at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:15 am. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum.

Mitch was loved by many, and the life he lived will continue to be reflected in the family he cherished, the people he helped, and the countless memories he leaves behind.