William Paul Deason

William Paul Deason, 81, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, at Augusta VA hospital.

William P. Deason, affectionately known as “Billy” to family and “Bill” to friends, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on February 10, 1944, to the late Paul Prescott Deason and late Sylvia Belle Bargeron Deason. He grew up in Sardis, Georgia, on his grandmother’s family farm and graduated from S.G.A. Sardis Girard High School, where he loved playing baseball.

Following graduation, Bill proudly served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electrician during the Vietnam era. He served for six years and cherished the opportunity to travel, seeing Sicily, Portugal, the Caribbean, and many other locations. He was deeply proud of his service and his country.

After his military service, Bill worked as an electrician with Goldkist before founding Deason Pump and Well Drilling in Turner County, Georgia. He operated his business for many years before relocating to the Savannah area, which always felt like home.

Bill was a devoted family man, a skilled mechanic, and a lifelong learner. He could fix or build almost anything, from wells and HVAC systems to computers. He enjoyed music, aviation, Ham Radios, and never missed a chance to share a corny joke. He was known for his generous heart and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Bill grew up attending Sardis Methodist Church and as an adult Sycamore Methodist. He also served as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff in Turner County, was a Shriner and held a recreational pilot's license for many of his younger years.

He is survived by his daughters, Melanie Kramer (Len), Meredith Page (Keith), and Melissa Gardner (David Childers); his sister, Bonnie Lovett (Mickey); his former wife, Mary Hilda Hodges Deason; His grandchildren, Trey Kramer, Neil Gardner (Rachel), Taylor Page Hemphill (Tucker), Brett Kramer (Calli Gaston) and Emily Gardner. Great grandchildren, Charlotte Grace “Charlie”, Jack, John, Mary Ann Gardner and Linen James Hemphill and many beloved nieces and nephews who knew him as “Uncle Bill.”

A private graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the hospital, church, humane society or VA charity of your choice.