William Ronald Deans, Sr.
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William Ronald Deans Sr died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center on April 27, 2022 at age 86 after a 5-month illness. He was pre-deceased by his parents William Randolph Deans and Mollie Ray Moore Deans, sister Barbara Ray Deans, and first wife Mary Lewis Griffin Foote.
He was born in the Nash County farmhouse of J.W. and Savannah Moore (his grand-parents) on May 11, 1935. He grew up in Red Oak, blessed by a wealth of family, friends, and community support. He graduated from Red Oak High School in 1953 and graduated from Duke University with a BA in economics.
Ronald was commissioned in the US Air Force in 1957. He completed jet pilot and interceptor training and Squadron Officer School. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, National War College, and George Washington University with an MS in international relations. On exchange duty with the US Navy he did Carrier Pilot Qualification flying Navy jets off an aircraft carrier. He served as Officer for Policy and Plans in Southeast Asia, wing commander at Shepherd Air Force Base, the Pentagon, and commander of the US Military Advisory Group in Thailand. He did two combat tours in Vietnam. In 1967 he flew A-4 Skyhawks from an aircraft carrier and in 1969 he flew F-4 Phantoms out of Danang, totaling 134 combat missions. He was shot down in enemy territory, rescued by helicopter, and promptly resumed combat flying. His military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with eight Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart.
Upon retiring from the military in 1981, Ronald assumed management of the family business, allowing his parents to retire. He ran the Service Sales Truck Dealership in Rocky Mount and the College Park recreational vehicle dealership in Raleigh.
Ronald loved to travel. Anyone acquainted with Mollie and Randolph knows this was in his veins long before the Air Force got to him. He was humorous, loved to talk, and could do so with most anyone on any topic. He was a Duke fan while his sister Barbara was UNC all the way, a matter not yet resolved. Ronald acted and sang in local theatre productions both at the Tank Theatre in Rocky Mount and the Recreational Center in Linville, NC. He and Gay regularly attended services at the Baptist Church in Newland and hosted Sunday School events at their home. They have many cherished friends in the Linville-Newland community.
We wish to thank Shawn and Steve Morris, Joe and Leah Loffeck, other neighbors, and the Land Harbor Police Department. Through kindness of others, Ronald and Gay were able to live longer in the home and community they loved. Our family is grateful.
Our family thanks the staff of Watauga Hospital in Boone, NC, Life Care of Banner Elk, and the NC State Veterans' home for all their efforts on Ronald's behalf.
Ronald is survived by his wife Gay Sanders Deans, stepson Hugh Mitchell Britt, sons William Ronald Deans Jr (Charlotte) and David Spruill Deans (Marcia), eight grandchildren, and great grand-children.
There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. Saturday May 7, 2022 at the Red Oak Cemetery led by Paster David Joyner.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.