Roy Thomas (Tommy) Deaton, 91, of Little Rock, AR, joined his heavenly family on April 26, 2024. He was born to Claudius and Ola Mae Deaton on December 29, 1932, in El Dorado, AR.
Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Murl; one grandson, Bart Deaton; and three siblings, Claude Deaton, Martha Crosby, and Raymond Deaton. Tommy is survived by four children: Kyle (Betty) Deaton of Queen City, TX; Melanie Churchill of Little Rock; Darla Deaton Nasello of Maumelle; and Adair (Charlie) Melton of New Boston, TX. He was affectionately known as Pop to his grandchildren: Lanie (David) Konecny of Little Rock, Kyla (Josh) Owen of New Boston, TX, Mallory Melton of Austin, TX, Kaylin Melton of Fayetteville, Brynn Nasello of Maumelle, Conner Melton of New Boston, TX, and Ainsley Nasello of Fayetteville. He adored his five great-grandchildren: Carter James, John David, & George Thomas Konecny of Little Rock, and Landon Scott Granbery & Randall Lane Owen of New Boston, TX. Uncle Tommy will also be missed by several nieces and nephews.
In his early years, Tommy enjoyed scouting and earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating from Camden High School and attending Southern State College in Magnolia, Tommy joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. In 1953, only one year into service, he married Murl Jean McManus of Camden, beginning a union that would last seventy remarkable years. They began married life in Temple, TX, until the completion of his service. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, the couple returned to their roots in Camden where Tommy began a fulfilling career with International Paper Company. His dedication to IP advanced his career and took him to various mills across the region including Pine Bluff, Vicksburg, MS, and Bastrop, LA, before returning to the Camden mill, where he later retired.
Tommy was a devoted and active member of the United Methodist Church. While he and Murl worshiped and served in many congregations as they moved with International Paper, Fairview UMC in Camden was their church home for nearly forty years. Tommy faithfully served the church and was a member of almost every committee over the years. He chaired the building committees while in Pine Bluff for the building of Carr Memorial UMC, and then again during the most recent addition and renovation at Fairview. Even after moving to Little Rock in 2018, he continued his commitment to his faith as a member of First United Methodist Church.
Tommy was always “ready to go”. One of his favorite places to go was the lake. He shared his love of camping with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren creating decades of cherished memories at Kirby Landing on Lake Greeson. It was here that he spent countless hours on the water teaching dozens of teenagers to water ski throughout the years. After retirement, he and Murl spent time on the road in their RV. He was happy to take Murl to all the places she longed to visit, the location didn’t matter to him, as long as they were “going” together.
Tommy was a proud father and Pop and logged many hours attending as many events as possible. Whether it was a church event, band concert, voice recital or athletic event, if his kids, grandkids or great-grandkids were involved he was going to make every effort to attend. Tommy’s generosity extended beyond his family. He found purpose in serving others and enjoyed volunteering at Fairview United Methodist Church’s Good Samaritan Food Pantry and greeting second and third-grade children every morning for Ivory Primary School. For many years, he welcomed the car riders with warmth, kindness, and a positive word for every day of the week. While we grieve at the loss of our father, grandfather, uncle, and friend we rejoice in knowing that he is reunited with the love of his life and all the others who went on before him.
Visitation will be held at Fairview United Methodist Church in Camden, Arkansas, on Tuesday, April 30, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 2:00, followed by a Graveside Service at Memorial Park Cemetery. Proctor Funeral Home in Camden is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Fairview United Methodist Church Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Camden or the charity of your choice.