Clarence "Red" Deese

Clarence Ray Deese (Red), 93, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on November 10th, 2025 while at home with his family. Red was husband to the late Janette Knighten Deese and father to Michael Ray Deese and Debbie Ann Deese.

Born in 1932 in Grady, Alabama, he was the son of Clara Deese and brother to Marvin, Henry, Coochie, and Mini Lee. Red grew up on a farm in the aftermath of the depression with a big family and a single mother. He quickly learned how to work hard, work smart, and give thanks for what he had. He attended Montgomery County High School, and in 1949 he left his home to serve his country during the Korean War.

After his military service, he returned to Grady, Alabama, graduated from Montgomery County High and married the love of his life, Jeanette. They eventually settled on some land off Gardner Road, where together they built a home, a family and an impressive farm life. In later years, his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren would build homes and live on the same land. Red was a man you didn’t want to be far from.

Red loved his farm. He was always on that tractor whether he was plowing fields to grow rows of peas, turnips, and other veggies (which in later years would be served at Red’s Little Schoolhouse), hauling material across the pastures, or carrying his grandchildren & great grandchildren in the bucket to go feed the cows. Red knew how to enjoy life. He was not only hard working, but highly resourceful. And he was generous too. Everyone knew they could come to Red, and he’d help ‘em out. Red loved to garden and he loved to watch things grow. He built a greenhouse off the side of his home, so that not even the winter could stop him from growing flowers. His appreciation for God’s creation and beauty never ceased.

Red was a simple man, but he was far from ordinary. His work ethic and strong faith led him to make bold decisions that would have a deep impact on his community and leave quite a legacy. In 1956 Red opened the first and only barber shop at Montgomery Country Club. Red loved being a barber because he loved people and making relationships. In 1970, Red helped the community launch South Montgomery County Academy (SMCA) in Grady, AL where his children (and later grandchildren and great grandchildren) received their education. He was committed to his community, and whenever there was a need, Red was quick to step in. In 1985, Red’s daughter, Debbie, wanted to open a restaurant in Grady, and of course he said yes. Together, they established a little country cafe, Red’s Little Schoolhouse, that would eventually become nationally known - not just for its famous fried chicken, fried cornbread and fresh peas, but for its atmosphere of family. Red never met a stranger. When he retired from the country club in 1994, he opened up a barber shop behind Red’s Little Schoolhouse where he continued cutting hair and building relationships.

More than any business he established or decision he made, Red’s greatest legacy will be the impact he made on his family. He was devoted to the Lord Jesus and was committed to raising his children to know the love and truth of Jesus, and walk in His ways. That he did. He raised a son who would go on to plant a church in the big city of Atlanta and do ministry all across the world - sharing the love of Jesus on about every continent. And he raised a daughter who is the modern day Mother Teresa - feeding and serving everyone in her community and building a restaurant that would be featured on the news, in papers and on Food Network. Whether you were a customer, a stranger or a friend, Debbie will show you and share with you the rich love of Jesus. Red’s impact reached beyond just his children. His grandchildren and great grandchildren have carried on Red’s legacy of being hardworking, funny, personable, generous and full of faith.

To know Red is to love him and to want to be like him. To God be the glory. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Deese; mother, Clara Deese; siblings, Cochie, Marvin, Henry, Mini Lee; son-in-law, John Lewis Dees. He is survived by his daughter Debbie Ann Deese and grandchildren RaeAnne Culver (Kelly Culver) and Bert Sprenger (Sara Sprenger) and great grandchildren Reed Culver, Hunter Culver, Louie Sprenger and Jenny Sprenger; and his son Michael Ray Deese (wife Felicia Deese) and grandchildren, Michael Deese (Lulu), Daniel Deese (Elise), Sarah Samples (Evan), Bo Deese, Matt Deese (Lauren) and Rachel Gamblin (Luke) and great grandchildren Micah Samples, Selah Samples, Mason Deese, Walker Deese, Cora Deese and Eden Gamblin.

A service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 17th, at Friendship Baptist Church, 1577 Huffman Rd, Grady, AL 36036 with graveside to follow at Hills Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Kelly Culver, Bert Sprenger, Michael Deese, Daniel Deese, Bo Deese, Matt Deese, Reed Culver, Hunter Culver, and Louie Sprenger.