Harry Deyton

Harry Deyton, age 80, of Gilkey, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Harry was born Tuesday, April 17, 1945 in Rutherford County to the late G.C. and Ina Deyton. He was a graduate of Chase High School. Harry honorably served his nation in the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. Harry worked at Timken for twenty-five years before retirement. After his retirement, he worked at the Gilkey Convenience Center. Harry had a heart to invest his time and treasure in his community. He was a member of the Union Mills Volunteer Fire Department, actively involved with the Gilkey Community Center and the Neighbor's Pantry. He was a member of the Thermal City United Methodist Church and was currently attending Gilkey United Methodist Church. Harry was an avid fisherman and enjoyed “tinkering” with things. He leaves a void in the lives of those he loved dearly and the community he served.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters and four brothers.

Those left to honor his legacy are his wife, Kay Allen Deyton; children, Sharon Beaver (Mark) of Shelby, Kerry Lankford (John) of Ellenboro, Steve Deyton of Shiloh, Shaun Deyton (Jessica) of Henrietta, Susan Deyton Randolph (Jeremy) of Forest City, Amy Porter (Gary) of Henrietta and Jason Porter (Roxy) of Forest City; seventeen grandchildren, four great grandchildren and his beloved pets, Tina and Willie.

A gathering to celebrate Harry’s life will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 pm on Saturday, June 21st at Harrelson Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place with military honors provided by the Rutherford Honor Guard at Gilboa UMC Cemetery on a later date.

Memorial donations are requested to the Neighbor’s Pantry, 217 Gilkey School Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or to Gilkey UMC, 108 Aydlotte Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.