Danny Ray Deese

Danny Ray’s courage and strength was evident, as he lived his best life to the very end surrounded by family and friends. He passed away January 31, 2024 in his Smyrna home that he loved. To know Danny was to know humor, loyalty, faithfulness, and true musical talent.

Danny Ray was a true Atlanta Boy and Southern Gentlemen. His love of O’Keefe High School and anything Irish forever lived in his heart. Danny Ray was the biggest fan of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs, but his favorite sports player was his grandson, Tyler. Danny Ray was baptized when he was ten and then recommitted his life to Christ in 1985. He loved the Lord and always spoke of Jesus as his friend and savior.

Danny Ray was the son of Benjamin Franklin Deese of Greenwood, S.C. and Geter Belle Mahaffey of Ellenwood, GA. He is preceded in death by his precious daughter, Jennifer Christine Deese. He often spoke of being reunited with Jennifer in Glory. We know that eternal hope helped Danny Ray move from this world to the next. Danny Ray is also preceded in death by loving parents Benjamin and Geter, sister Jewel Kent, brothers Benjamin Deese Jr, Gene Deese, and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Rita Wolfe Deese of Chamblee, GA., and by his daughter, Stephanie Deese Wright (Clifford) of Dallas, GA. He is also survived by grandson Tyler Callaway (Mariah) of Dawsonville, GA., great grandchildren Keely and Cole Callaway, and by brothers Jerome Deese (Diane) of Jackson, GA., Kenneth Deese of Eastman, GA., and Gary Deese (Carolyn) of Tucker, GA., as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Danny Ray retired from the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation and then went on to retire from the City of Smyrna Parks and Recreation. He was a classic product of the 1960s musical era. He was a well accomplished musician performing with that deep 1960s influence. In later years, Danny Ray was a successful singer for bands that made the Billboard Magazine charts. Danny Ray was well known in the Atlanta music scene for decades. He performed stage tributes to Elvis in Atlanta and Memphis that brought the crowd back in time to those amazing Elvis years.

When you think of Danny Ray, you think of a sharply-dressed man with sportscoats, crisp, starched, pink dress shirts and highly-polished black-white shoes. Danny Ray never met a stranger. He had so many lifelong friends because he knew how to be a friend. Even though Danny Ray was successful in so many areas, he simply wanted to be remembered as a loving husband and father.

Danny Ray’s wish was to think of him when you hear Elvis' music.

Go rest high on that mountain Danny Ray. Your work here on Earth is done...

A visitation for Danny will be held Monday, February 5, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2000 Cobb Pkwy SE, Marietta, GA 30060. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 5, 2024, at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel of Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home. A committal service will occur following the service.