Ralph Lenwood Deacon

1931 - 2023

Ralph Lenwood Deacon, 92, of Charlottesville, VA passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in his home at the Colonnades Senior Living Community. Ralph was born in Roanoke, VA on August 12, 1931, to Elroy and Bessie Deacon. He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene, of 69 years, daughter Cindy Bireley (Steve), sons Dennis (Carolan), and Jeff (Kathy), six grandchildren, four great grandchildren, his sister, Jean Witt, sister-in-law Joyce Michael (Jerry), nieces Carol Pugh and Teresa Arney, and several grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Carlton Witt and nephew, David Witt.

Ralph graduated from Colonial High School at age of 16. He attended Virginia Southern Business College and the UVA McIntire School of Consumer Banking. His career began at Colonial American Bank in Roanoke, VA. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 serving in Korea. Upon returning in 1954 he and Marlene were married. In 1965 he accepted a position at Culpeper National Bank as Executive Vice President. He was transferred to Charlottesville in 1983 with the Central Fidelity Bank which merged with Culpeper National Bank and served as president of both banks. He also served as President of VA Bankers Association in 1983-84. He retired from Wells Fargo in Charlottesville after 39 years of serving in the banking profession.

After retiring from banking, he was employed by the Resolution Trust Corporation under the FDIC. After his second retirement from FDIC, he and Marlene moved to Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet, SC where they enjoyed the beach, golf, tennis, and boating for 22 years before making their way back to Charlottesville in 2013. Ralph was a long-term member of the Presbyterian Church community. Ralph was an avid fan and supporter of UVA basketball and football.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor Ralph may donate to Hospice of the Piedmont (hopva.org), 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911 or Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, P.O. Box 937, Verona, VA 24482, or a charity of your choice.