James Samuel Deaton Jr., 73, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021. He was born on July 14, 1947, in Mooresville to the late James Samuel “Sam” and Nellie Sherrill Deaton.

Mr. Deaton was a 1965 graduate of Mooresville High School and attended N.C. State University. He was retired from the Iredell County Tax Office after 35 years of service. Mr. Deaton served over 30 years as a member of the Mooresville Rescue Squad and the Mooresville Fire Department. He was a real servant to his community. He loved cooking Sunday dinner for and taking trips with his wife and family and was real passionate about his grandchildren. Mr. Deaton was an avid target shooter, photographer, and enjoyed taking care of his backyard critters.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay Brown Deaton; children, Curt Deaton and wife Connie, and Heather White and husband Chris; brother, P.R. Deaton and wife Sherry; and grandchildren, Camryn, Skylar, Levi, Piper, Dakota, Sam, Leon, and Sampson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 5, at Heritage House of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House, c/o Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Deaton family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.