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Greene Funeral Home - Northwest Chapel

2133 Ebenezer Road

Rock Hill, South Carolina

Franklin Deese Obituary

Franklin A. Deese LTC, U.S. ARMY (Ret.) ROCK HILL - On 18 August 2014, LTC Deese made his last permanent change of station to serve under his Supreme Commander, his Lord and Savior. LTC Deese was born 20 September 1927, in Lancaster S.C., to the late Stephen F. and Millie Horton Deese. Services for LTC Deese will be 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 1232 Curtis Street, Rock Hill, with the Rev. Emily Sutton officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery with full military honors presented by the U.S. Army, Fort Jackson, S.C. In 1944, LTC Deese began his military service as an enlisted man in the U.S. Navy. He was trained at Bainbridge, Md., and served at naval training stations and operating bases along the East Coast. After being discharged, he worked primarily in construction. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Connie Rainey. They were married 60 years before she predeceased him. During this time, LTC Deese entered the U.S. Army as an enlisted man. After training at several state-side bases, he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Artillery as Sergeant Major. At that time, the division was based in Korea. In late 1954, the division rotated to Hawaii. Prior to rotating to the States, LTC Deese had applied and was approved to attend a new Military Intelligence course being taught at Fort Holabird, Md. Upon rotation, LTC Deese was assigned as a student to attend the course. Upon completion of this course, he also attended several short courses specific to intelligence operations. Before being assigned overseas, he attended the U.S. Army Language School in Monterey, Calif., and completed a course in the German language. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Berlin station of the 513th Military Intelligence Battalion. During this time, Cold War activities were heating up and the U.S. Army asked senior NCOs with intelligence collection experience to apply for warrant or commission status. At that time, he was a senior Master Sergeant so he applied, was approved, moved to active duty as a Captain and was transferred to the Munich station. When this tour was over, he was assigned as an instructor at the U.S. Army Intelligence School at Fort Holabird. While there, he graduated from the Military Officers Career Course before being assigned to the U.S. Army Pacific Intelligence School on Okinawa. Students at this school came from Far Eastern countries with a few from such countries as Sudan, India and Pakistan. While at this assignment, he was promoted to Major. Upon completion of the tour, he was assigned to MACV Advisory Team 100 as an Intelligence Advisor. During this tour, LTC Deese participated in operations against the Tet Offensive. For services in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze campaign stars. After Vietnam, he was assigned to the Munich station 513th Military Intelligence Group as Commanding Officer of its support teams which were split between Dachau and Munich. Later he was assigned as Commanding Officer of the 513th Munich Station and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. From Munich, he was assigned to U.S. Army Intelligence at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., as a committee chair in the Department of Area Studies. LTC Deese retired in 1972, and was awarded the Legion of Merit. During his service, he was able to attend the Overseas Education Program and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS and from Boston University with a Master's in Education. Upon retiring, LTC Deese returned to Rock Hill and began work for the city. He worked as a project manager for the city's urban renewal program and later worked for the utility department. LTC Deese enjoyed reading and travel. Most of all, he enjoyed the birth and maturing of his grand- and great-grandchildren. LTC Deese is survived by two daughters, Deborah Harris and Denise McDaniel; five grandchildren, Carl Frank Deese (wife, Molly), Tracey Hudspeth (husband, Casey), Wesley Martin (wife, Rachael), Cassidy Valerino (husband, Thomas) and Fred E. McDaniel II; and nine great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Michael and Matthew Deese; Ethan and Emma Hudspeth; Aaron, Aiden and Wyatt Martin; and Giada Valerino. LTC Deese was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Deese Shute of Lancaster. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Retired Officers Associations. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, at Greene Funeral Home Downtown Chapel, 355 E. White Street and other times at the home of his daughter, Deborah D. Harris, 885 Montgomery Drive, Rock Hill, S.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, Bethel UMC, Epworth Methodist Church, Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.

Published by The Herald on Aug. 20, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Debbie & Denise, we just found out about your daddy. I was out of town for 2 weeks & just got back Sunday. We loved & respected your daddy so much. We have our deepest sympathy and love.

Joan & David Williams

September 3, 2014

Our lives were truly blessed to have known and worked with LTC Deese. He was one of the finest gentlemen ever and set such a wonderful example for us all. Our sincere condolences to the family. We were blessed to have known him.

Phil and Paula Hinson

August 22, 2014

Our heartfelt sorrow for the loss of a Super person. Always friendly, smiling and genuine. I enjoyed talking coins with Frank weekly. I know he will find his favorite walking stick.

Don and Patsy Blair

August 20, 2014

Our families thoughts and prayers are with you and we are sorry for your loss.

Chip Wilson

August 20, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anthony R

August 20, 2014

Tracey and family,

I'm am sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Anthony R

August 20, 2014

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Greene Funeral Home - Northwest Chapel

2133 Ebenezer Road P.O. Box 37537, Rock Hill, SC 29732

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