Miller Lee Deaton

The family of Miller Lee Deaton regrets to announce his passing after a brief battle with lung cancer. He died in Lancaster, SC, at the age of 69. He is remembered with great love and admiration by his wife and extended family of three children, three grandchildren, four siblings, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Miller Lee Deaton was born and raised in Gainesville, Georgia, the son of Hubert J. Deaton, Jr. and Eugenia L. Weissinger Deaton. Miller graduated from Gainesville High School in the class of 1971 and was noted for playing football - and pranks. During that time Miller met the young lady who became his forever sweetheart, Patricia Ann “Tric” Kay.

After graduation, Miller enlisted in the US Army. After his service, Miller and Tric married on November 10, 1973, and remained devoted to one another for the next 50 years. The young family settled in Lancaster as Miller found employment with Springs Industries. At that time Miller began studying at the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Miller also completed a General Management Program at Harvard Business School in Boston. He held many different roles in his 33 years with Springs, traveling around the world in the performance of his duties. Before his retirement at age 56, Miller was the Executive Vice President of Manufacturing, responsible for all the products Springs produced.

An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Miller enjoyed hunting, fishing, bird-watching, and golf. He enjoyed deer and duck hunting with his father and sons and taught his grandsons to play golf. He was a participant in the Lancaster Golf Club and the Carolina Senior Tour. He was known for his sense of humor and his dedication to his family and community.

Miller always put his family first. He maintained close relationships with his parents, sisters, and brothers-in-law in Georgia, and his brother and sister-in-law in Virginia, while doting on his wife, daughter, two sons, and three grandsons. A faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church in Lancaster, he demonstrated his love for his family and for Jesus Christ every day. Miller was a role model for his sons and grandsons in how a husband, father, gentleman, and Christian should behave. Miller was supported throughout his illness by the kindness and love of Father Phil Emmanuel and the staff of Christ Episcopal Church.

Miller is predeceased by his parents, Hubert J. Deaton, Jr. and Eugenia W. Deaton of Gainesville, GA, and his wife’s mother and grandparents, whom he considered his own, Lily M. Kay and H. R. and Ada Belle Mathewson of Lancaster.

He is survived by his precious wife, Patricia Ann Kay Deaton, his elder son Miller Mathewson “Matt” Deaton of Murrells Inlet, his daughter and son-in-law Clara Deaton Reed and James Russell Reed of Lancaster, and his younger son, Patrick Jackson Deaton of Boiling Springs.

Other survivors include Miller’s beloved grandchildren, Deaton Russell Reed and Gaines Hunter Reed, both of Lancaster, and Armor Jackson Deaton of Boiling Springs; brother Hubert J. Deaton III and wife Karen, of Great Falls, VA; sister Dell Whitehead and husband Donny, of Athens, GA; sister Karen Bowling and husband Butch, and sister Ann D. Medlock, both of Gainesville, GA; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will hold a Public Visitation on Friday, August 12 at 4:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 534 Plantation Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720. A private memorial service will be held for the family.

Those who wish to honor Miller in a special way may make gifts in his name to Christ Episcopal Church, PO Box 488, Lancaster, SC 29721-0488. (803)-286-5224.

Notes to the family may be made at www.lancasterfuneralhome.com.

Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Deaton.

Announced locally by Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, Georgia.