Donald Jason Deaton

Donald Jason Deaton, 78, of Martinsville, Virginia passed away early Monday morning, November 23, 2015 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He was born in Mooresville, NC on March 28, 1937 to Sarah Helen Yarborough Deaton and George Neel Deaton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother James “Jimmy” Neel Deaton. Don is survived by his wife Carol of 57 years, three children, seven grandchildren, and sister Sylvia Deaton Sims of Huntersville, NC.

He was a caring father and grandfather to his son Mark Deaton and wife Nancy of Nashville, TN and children Sam, Caroline and Tucker; daughter Linda and husband Gold Adkins of Danville, VA and children Arey and Alden; son Brad Deaton and wife Dana of Greensboro, NC and sons Tyler and Parker.

Don was a passionate and truly remarkable man who impacted the lives of everyone whom he encountered. In Don’s early life he played baseball and football. He graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in Pharmacy. Don married Carol Arey of Aberdeen, NC and they began their adventure of life together in 1958.

Don had a passion for medicine and pharmacy and truly loved his career, which began at Patterson Drug Co., in Winston-Salem, NC. He later transferred to Martinsville, VA where he managed a new Patterson Drug store and ultimately became the Eastern Regional Divisional President of Revco D.S. Inc. with 1,700 stores. Along with a love for pharmacy, Don enjoyed life through his favorite pastimes of golf, fishing, and waterfowl hunting. Don was also an active charter member of the Chatmoss Country Club. Don would always smile as he retold stories of his adventures. Don loved to travel with his wife Carol. One of his and Carol’s favorite trips was to Bermuda to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary along with all of their children and grandchildren. Don had a goal to take each of his grandchildren on a trip to celebrate their high school graduation. Each grandchild holds countless memories from these trips which they will carry with them through their lives. Don also made many special memories with friends that he held close.

Don was a man of God who was an active member and served on the Vestry at Christ Episcopal Church. The most common advice that Don gave to his grandchildren was to live in agreement to God’s instruction and to avoid peer pressure. Don lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every step of the way with loved ones by his side.

The family thanks the many health care professionals who devoted their expert services and time to care for Don over the years.

A family graveside service will be held at Bethesda Cemetery in Aberdeen, NC. A visitation for friends and family will be held at Christ Episcopal Church Parish House Sunday, November 29, at 3:00-5:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 11:00 am with Reverend Roy G. Pollina officiating. A reception will follow at the Parish House. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Memorial Fund of Christ Episcopal Church of Martinsville, VA.