Celebrating the life of
Jack Boyd Deal
April 09, 1924 - August 10, 2008
Jack B. Deal, 84, beloved father, grandfather, teacher, friend, and sportsman, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2008, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by three daughters, Mary, Holly and Ann Deal, one grandson, Alexander Boyd Rupp, his brother, Tommy Deal, and his niece, his nephews and several grand-nieces and nephews. Mr. Deal was a native of Caters in North Georgia, a place he held in his heart always. A veteran of World War II during which he served in the United States Navy and the United States Navy Armed Guard, Mr. Deal married Elizabeth Martineau from Glens Falls, New York. They made their first home in Hazlehurst, Georgia, and became longtime residents of Savannah beginning in 1956.
Mr. Deal taught for 30 years in the Diversified Co-Operative Training "DCT" program, a vocational training program to help teenagers stay in school while developing real world skills and contributing financially to their families. He graduated in 1949 from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors of Science in Education, later receiving the degree of Master of Education 1955. He began his teaching career in the Jefferson Davis County School System and continued teaching in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System, retiring from Savannah High School in 1980. He originated the first DCT program in both counties and was one of the first of six original DCT coordinators in the State. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma, Iota Lambda Sigma, and Kappa Delta Phi fraternities, as well as the Demosthenian Literary Society at the University of Georgia.
A hunter and fisher from the age of 4, Mr. Deal was a skilled and lifelong sportsman who strongly believed in conservation and collected first editions and signed copies of books about the sports he loved. He also was an avid gardener and particularly treasured his rose garden. The beauty of nature and her creatures were dear to him and a source of joy, fun, and accomplishment. He was a member of Solomon's Lodge #1, F&AM, American Legion Post 135, Forest City Gun Club, Scottish Rite Bodies and Alee Temple of the Shrine; he was a Master Mason and a honorary aide de camp to the Governor's Office.
Above all, his three daughters and grandson will always treasure him as a loving, generous, accepting, supportive, and funny father and granddaddy who will be missed every day. They send their special thanks and love to all their father's care givers, but particularly to Ida Cone, Marie Youmans, Thelma Turner and Debra Briggs, whose gentle hands and strong hearts brought nurture and laughter to Mr. Deal and the entire family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to The Nature Conservancy allocation to Georgia, the National Wild Turkey Federation, or the National Wildlife Federation. A memorial service will be held at Fox and Weeks Funeral Home on Hodgson Memorial Drive at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17. Memories can be shared at the Obituary Guestbook at www.savannahnow.com
He was a true friend and a great teacher. My Prayers are with you at this time.
- Rayford Ray Gastin, Savannah, GA
Mary, Holly and Ann, your Daddy illuminated our lives with his gentleness and mirth and his open, giving heart. You 'my girls', Betty and Alex were always his favorite topic in our conversations--and he loved a good story. Alex, your Granddaddy was so proud of you, and his voice had a special timbre when he spoke of you. A dear man and true friend, he lives tenderly on in our memories--along with your mom. Their legacy radiates through each of you with a rare beauty and lovingkindness, and it graces those of us whose lives they touched. Deep sympathy and many blessings are with you today.
- Judy Kelly, Atlanta, GA
As a teenager I never raked so much pinestraw and cleaned so many gutters as I did for Mr.Deal. And, the funny thing is, I never loved doing something so much. I am blessed that the Deals took me into thier home and lives, Mr. Deal was the only father I had. This world will miss a gentle, loving and great man. But, I believe he is going home to his true love, Betty.
- Margaret, Savannah, GA
A life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Bobby Gee & Mary Jo, Savannah, GA
He was a true friend and a great teacher. My Prayers are with you at this time.
- Rayford Ray Gastin, Savannah, GA
Mary, Holly and Ann, your Daddy illuminated our lives with his gentleness and mirth and his open, giving heart. You 'my girls', Betty and Alex were always his favorite topic in our conversations--and he loved a good story. Alex, your Granddaddy was so proud of you, and his voice had a special timbre when he spoke of you. A dear man and true friend, he lives tenderly on in our memories--along with your mom. Their legacy radiates through each of you with a rare beauty and lovingkindness, and it graces those of us whose lives they touched. Deep sympathy and many blessings are with you today.
- Judy Kelly, Atlanta, GA
As a teenager I never raked so much pinestraw and cleaned so many gutters as I did for Mr.Deal. And, the funny thing is, I never loved doing something so much. I am blessed that the Deals took me into thier home and lives, Mr. Deal was the only father I had. This world will miss a gentle, loving and great man. But, I believe he is going home to his true love, Betty.
- Margaret, Savannah, GA
A life well lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
- Bobby Gee & Mary Jo, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
