Richard King Deas

Richard Deas of Hazlehurst passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 8, 2023. He was born in Jeff Davis County on July 12,1946. Richard was the son of the late Mr. Wesley Deas and Mrs. Harriet King Deas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley Deas and Harriet King Deas, brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Jo Deas, and nephew, Spencer Owens.

Richard loved his family dearly. He was a devout Christian, a loving Husband, a caring Father and Grandfather, a dedicated Public Servant, and a dear friend. He was a man of great faith which truly gave him strength, hope and nourishment. This sustained him, especially through his years of his illness and

confinement. He enjoyed his prayer-filled visits with his pastors, friends and his family members. While he understood his bedridden days were far from normal he was not one to complain. He was always quick to welcome his visitors with a warm smile and a genuine sense of gladness and sincerity that they were there. Deep conversations offered much joy to him but even more so to his guest. A parting smile and a blessing from the conversation was the final confirmation. He was a true fighter and not one to ever give up. He was one who listened very carefully and understood the importance of that. The simplest of tasks became quite difficult over time yet he pressed onward to adapt and overcome. A true testament to his strong convictions.

He was a graduate of Ga. Southern University and following Graduation served in the United States Army for 4 years as a Military Policeman.

His career path took him further into the field of Law Enforcement where he served as a State Patrol Officer for the Statesboro District. Following this he served as the Chief of Police for the City of Hazlehurst and later into an Investigator for the GBI. His final venture took him into the world of serving

the citizens of Jeff Davis County as their Sheriff from 2009 to 2012. He found much joy in giving and helping others as his years of service attest to. Whether he was helping a family through a difficult time or conducting a mission aboard a GBI helicopter in some remote area he loved his work. Law Enforcement was truly his work passion. He was a man of integrity with a large dose of humbleness thrown in for good measure.

He married the love of his life Joanne Woods Deas on May 6, 1995. He often referred to her as his Angel.

They spent many years enjoying Camping trips and taking Outdoor excursions together. They were inseparable as she was also his best friend. Praying and discussing verses in the Bible were part of their everyday routines. When cool Fall Saturdays arrived, he was anxiously awaiting his favorite two teams to Kickoff. These as all his friends and family knew were the Georgia Southern Eagles or his Georgia Bulldogs. When that game began, he was “all in”.

He enjoyed life and cherished his memories.

Richard is survived by his wife of 28 years, Joanne Deas of Hazlehurst, sons, Stewart Deas of Fitzgerald, Brent Deas (Janie) of Leesburg, and Gilbert Deas Moultrie, stepsons, Jason Lawson (Dawn) of Columbus, and Blake Lawson (Rachel) of Thomasville, sister, Debbie Owens (John) of Hazlehurst, brother, Jimmy Deas (Deanne) of Alpharetta, grandchildren, Anna Belle Lawson, Dylan Deas, Devin Deas, Drake Deas, Wesley Deas, Elizabeth Deas, and Katherine Deas.  Richard also had many distant nephews and nieces whom he loved deeply. In addition, he had many family members and friends who cared for him deeply. He was loved and respected by so many. He will be missed but never forgotten. He is resting peacefully now in the presence of his Savior. He is upright, pain-free, and for the first time in many years strolling about. Truly a testament, well done to a true and faithful servant.

Funeral Services for Mr. Deas will be held on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Hazlehurst United Methodist Church beginning at 3:00 PM. with Rev. Tim Mock, Rev. Rodney Porter, Rev. Allen Hartsfield, and Rev. Bobby Gale officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Hazlehurst City Cemetery.

Serving as Pall Bearers will be E.M. Wilkes, Larry Rentz, Bill Martin, Charlie Cole, Jack Cole, Phil Lewis, Tommy Purser, and Phil Merritt.

Honorary Pall Bearers will be All Law Enforcement Agencies.

The Deas family may be contacted at the residence, 77 Jimmy Boatright Drive, Hazlehurst.

The Deas Family and Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home respectfully ask all in attendance to continue to follow social distancing guidelines set by our local health district and the CDC.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard King Deas, please visit our floral store.