Mr. Richard Deas, 76

Mr. Richard Deas of Hazlehurst passed away peacefully surrounded by family 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 Georgia Southern University and following graduation served in the United States Army for four 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 kick off. 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 of 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.
Services were held June 11 at Hazlehurst Methodist Church with the Rev. Tim Mock, the Rev. Allen Hartsfield, the Rev. Bobby Gale, and Mr. Bill Butler officiating. Interment followed in Hazlehurst City Cemetery with military honors presented by the United States Army Honor Guard, also the Jeff Davis County Veterans Association, and a bagpipes performance rendered by Mr. Scott Townley.
Serving as pallbearers were E.M. Wilkes, Larry Rentz, Bill Martin, Charlie Cole, Jack Cole, Phil Lewis, Tommy Purser, and Phil Merritt. Honorary pallbearers were all Law Enforcement Agencies.
Music was rendered by Terry Hesters and Jimmie Ryles and his group.
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home was in charge.