Albert Waldon Deas

Albert Waldon Deas went home to be with his Lord on July 30, 2026, peacefully surrounded by his girls at Haven Hospice in Lake City, Florida. He was ready to join the heavenly choir, singing the old gospel hymns he loved.

Known to family and friends by many names—Skeeter, Son, and Skip—Albert was rarely found sitting still. If he wasn't working, he was telling a joke, sharing a story, or making someone laugh. He was one of ten children and the last surviving sibling of the James Bryant Deas family. He often joked that he didn't care much for the "7-11 songs" in church—the ones where you sing the same seven words eleven times.

Albert was born on August 17, 1934, at the family farm home affectionately known as "The Old House," to Bryant and Carrie Cunningham Deas. When he was born, the doctor did not expect him to live beyond his first week. But God—and Albert—had other plans. Because no one expected him to survive, a birth certificate was never completed. Later in life, he often laughed about the complications that caused, saying it never seemed to matter when it came time to be drafted into the Army or pay taxes.

Albert proudly served in the United States Army, where he was trained in communications. He often recalled asking to be stationed somewhere he had never been before. Much to his amusement, his orders sent him to Fort Benning, Georgia.

After completing his military service, Albert returned home to the family farm, where he joined his brother, Quinteen "Uncle Sport" Deas, in building what would become Deas Brothers Farm. Those two brothers probably spent more waking hours together than either did with their wives, Mittie and Elizabeth. Together, they laid the foundation for a farming operation that would stand the test of time for more than fifty years.

Farming wasn't simply Albert's occupation—it was who he was. He loved operating excavators and heavy equipment and was happiest with dirt on his boots and work to be done. He could completely tear down a tractor and have it back together in a single day, though he was equally known for occasionally tearing up a piece of equipment along the way. As a young man, Albert was quick on his feet and never missed an opportunity to tell stories about his football days.

Perhaps the greatest story he ever told began at a gospel sing in Clyattville, Georgia. Running late that evening, Albert found every seat taken except one beside a young lady named Mittie Womack and her sister, Peggy. Albert always said that the moment he sat beside Mittie, he knew she was the one. He loved telling people that he held the songbook for her that night—and had been holding it ever since. He also liked to say that the first time he held her hand, he knew she was a hard worker because of the calluses on her hands. To Albert, that meant he had found both the finest alto singer and the hardest-working woman he would ever know.

Albert and Mittie were married on a very cold day, June 17, 1961, beginning a marriage that would span sixty-five wonderful years. Especially during the last few years of his life, Albert often reminded Mittie that she had been the very best wife and mother. He believed with all his heart that God had brought them together, despite her growing up in Nashville, Georgia, and him in Jennings, Florida. Together they raised three daughters: Phyllis Harris (Jeff), Debbie Thomas (Michael), and Charolett Engram (Marc).

While he dearly loved his daughters, everyone knew his pride and joy was his grandson, Casey Engram (Rachel). Casey spent countless hours helping on the farm, where he developed the same love for hunting, fishing, farming, and the outdoors that his Poppie cherished. Together they shared adventures, laughter, and countless hours on the farm. In Albert's later years, whenever he became a little restless or ornery, Casey knew exactly what to do—a ride through the countryside with Poppie usually made everything right again.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Bryant and Carrie Cunningham Deas; his brothers, Curtis Deas and Quinteen "Uncle Sport" Deas; and his sisters, Ruby Malone, Patricia McMullen, Lucem Alvarez, Betty Schriver, Madeline Nunn, Louis Martin, and Hazel Swain.

He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of sixty-five years, Mittie Womack Deas; his daughters, Phyllis Harris (Jeff), Debbie Thomas (Michael), and Charolett Engram (Marc); his grandchildren, Jesica Dasher (Jeb), Casey Engram (Rachel), Carrie Lasseter (Tyler), and Carleigh Nordone (Zach); his great-grandchildren, Garrett Dasher and Annalyn Dasher; "his boys," Roger and Damon Deas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at "The Old House," the home where Albert was born and spent his life. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Burnham Christian Church.

For a man whose life was rooted in faith, family, and farming, there could be no more fitting place to begin his final earthly journey than the very home where it all started. Albert lived a life of hard work, unwavering faith, deep love for his family, and a sense of humor that never left him. His legacy is planted not only in the fields he cultivated but also in the lives he touched.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Haven Hospice of Lake City in honor of Albert's life and memory.