Hubert J. Deaton, Jr.

The family of Hubert J. Deaton, Jr. regrets to announce his passing after a lengthy illness.  He died in Gainesville, GA, in his 91^st year.

“Gainesville boys are high-minded. Swear to myself they’re double-jointed. They play ball and don’t mind it; all night long.” (GHS cheerleader’s song from the 1940’s)

Hubert Deaton, Jr. was a Gainesville boy.  His pride in being from Gainesville never left him.

Hubert is remembered with great love and admiration by his extended family of five children, ten grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, a sister and sister-in-law, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A Gainesville native, Hubert was born in 1927 to the late Faye Dell (Gunter) Deaton of Gainesville and Hubert J. Deaton, Sr. of Chestnut Mountain.  ‘Junior’ Deaton graduated in the class of 1944 from Gainesville High School.  He played on the football team and was a member of the G Club.  Most importantly, he met Eugenia ‘Genie’ Weissinger, class of 1945, who became his sweetheart for life until her passing in January 2018.

After graduation, Hubert enlisted in the US Navy, proudly serving aboard the battleship USS Iowa in occupied Japan.  After his discharge in 1946, he attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega.  He played football on any intramural teams that had a spot.  He and Genie eloped and married on March 8, 1947, and would remain devoted to one another for the next 70 years.  With one child and another ‘on the way’, Hubert graduated in 1949 with a Business degree and a commission in the US Army Reserve.

After a partnership in the laundry business with his friend and classmate, the late Fred A.  Powell, and work for his father-in-law cutting timber in the Blue Ridge mountains, Hubert resumed working with his father at Davis-Washington Lumber Company from 1954 until his retirement as President in 1993.

He and Genie built a home in Gainesville and put their five children through college.  For Hubert, family always came first; and in addition to his children he helped care for his father and mother, his wife’s parents, and a sister-in law.

Hubert was an avid outdoorsman.  He loved playing football and served as a referee of high school games for years.  He enjoyed camping and taught his children and grandchildren fishing, hunting, and golf.  Hubert served as Exalted Ruler of the local B. P. O. Elks lodge and was active in the Gainesville community.  A true Southern Gentleman, he was always available to help a neighbor.  Hubert was a man of integrity and believed strongly in doing what is right.  He taught his many descendants ‘to behave’ and to love Jesus Christ as he did.  Hubert was a member of Gainesville First United Methodist Church and was supported by the staff throughout his illness.

He is survived by his sister, Mary D. (Mrs. Jerry) Kesler of Bakersfield, CA, and sister-in-law Ouida W. (Mrs. Paul) Felker of Venice, FL.  His children and their spouses are Hubert III and Karen (Betts) Deaton of Great Falls, VA; Dell (Deaton) and husband Donny Whitehead of Athens, GA; Miller and Tric (Kay) of Lancaster, SC; Alice Karen ‘Tinky’ (Deaton) and husband M.C. ‘Butch’ Bowling of Gainesville, GA; and Ann (Deaton) Medlock, also of Gainesville.

Grandchildren are Elisabeth Deaton, Evangeline Keller, Larissa Barrett, Alice Herndon, Donald Whitehead, Matt Deaton, Patrick Deaton, Clara Reed, Trey Bowling, and Jack Medlock.

Great-Grandchildren are Anastasia Keller, Wyatt and Lily Herndon, Wesley and Eli Whitehead, Deaton and Gaines Reed, and Armor Deaton.

A private memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Gainesville First United Methodist Church.

 The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Eagle Ranch, or Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Condolences can be made online at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com or at Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.

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