Haysi, VA – Tarzan Deel, age 87 of Greenbrier, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Heritage Hall in Grundy following a lengthy illness. He was one of 14 children born to James W. and Pricey J. Mullins Deel. He served in the United States Army from 1947 to 1948. He returned to finish his senior year at Grundy High School, where he met and married his high school sweetheart. They graduated in 1949 and were married in 1950. To this union were born 6 children. Mr. Deel worked many different jobs during his life including coal miner, school teacher, bus driver, psychiatric nursing, and factory work. He loved farming and kept a big garden every year. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 brothers, Christopher Deel, General Deel, Richard Deel, and James Deel, 6 sisters, Anna Laurie Deel, Georgia Deel, Thelma Deel, Nancy Deel, Helen Keen, and Euna Boyd, and one son, Anthony B. Deel.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Bessie Jerrine Hunt Deel, sons, Eric D. Deel and wife Jane of Florida, Willard D. Deel and wife Tina of Pennsylvania, Tarzan Deel Jr. of Virginia, James P. Deel and wife Wanda of Maryland, a daughter, Aileen Deel of Haysi, grandchildren, James A. Deel and wife Jessica of Clintwood, Christopher Deel of Maryland, Joseph Deel and wife Rachel of Texas, Jason Bosley and wife Amber of Pennsylvania, Denise Deel of Pennsylvania, William “Bud” Deel and wife Anna of Pennsylvania, Melissa Deel of Virginia, and Jerrine Deel of Florida, great-grandchildren, Camella, Willow, and BellaRose, sisters, Minnie Deel of Birchleaf, Norma Thomas of Vansant, and Vernie Lane of Poplar Creek, special caregivers, Dr. Clinton Sutherland, Bonnie Deel, Megan Keene, and Janey Perkins, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends that loved him.
No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Mr. Deel’s name. Online condolences may be sent to www.haysifuneral.com. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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