RUFFIN:     Mr. Billy George Anton Deason, husband of Sally Ann Hiott Deason, passed way unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon, February 4, 2026 at the Trident Medical Center in Charleston.  He was 73.

Bill was born at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana July 23, 1952.  He was drafted into the United States Army after high school and served honorably during the Vietnam War as a grunt in LRRP's of "Lurps". These Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols were specialized, small and elite units focused on gathering intelligence behind enemy lines.  He was proud of his service, and after the war, was trained as an electrical lineman.  He worked for various utilities throughout the area, and was a mentor to many young men entering the field.  Bill was a member of IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), and was a Mason in Bells Masonic Lodge #236.  He was a member of the Walterboro Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Bill loved spending his free time watching Clemson Tigers Football, and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his wife of 48 years, he is survived by his children Jennifer Turner, Lee Howell, Glenn Howell (Gail), and Tim Howell (Paula), and by his sister Susan.  There are 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Bill Ray Deason and Hedy Mae Oliphant Deason, by his daughter Bridgett Deason, by his granddaughters Jessica Howell and Rebekah Howell, and by his brothers Michael and Bill.

The family will receive friends during a time of visitation Monday evening, February 9, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00 at Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning, February 10, 2026 at 11:00 at the Walterboro Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Committal services…with military honors… will take place that afternoon at 2:00 at the Beaufort National Cemetery,