Saltillo - Harold Lee Deaton, Sr., 82, died Monday, November 10, 2008, at The Meadows in Fulton after a brief illness. A Birmingham Ridge native and lifelong resident, he was born September 23, 1926, to the late Bee and Burma Miller Deaton. He was a graduate of Saltillo High School and also attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
He was a US Army veteran of World War II, having served in the Philippines for which he received the Bronze Star. He was among the peace-keeping forces in Japan and later served during the Korean War.
He was retired from Universal CIT Financial after 20 years of service and later owned the Breeze-In Grocery Store. He also farmed. He was a member of Birmingham Ridge Baptist Church. He was an avid Mississippi State fan.
Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at The Saltillo Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Bobby Holland officiating. Burial will be in Lee Memorial Park.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Mary Taylor Deaton of Birmingham Ridge; one son, Mike Deaton (Kim) of Saltillo; and one grandson, Taylor Deaton.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Harold Lee Hal Deaton, Jr.
Pallbearers will be Bill, Bob, and Pat O'Callagan, and Danny Crump
Honorary Pallbearers will be his coffee shop friends..
Visitation will be 12 p.m. to service time Tuesday at the funeral home.