Roy Deacon, Jr.

Roy Reid Deacon Jr. "Deacon", age 85, of Pass Christian, Mississippi passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family and his beloved dog Darcy.

Deacon was born July 21, 1935 in Covington, Virginia to the late Mary Sparks Deacon and Roy Reid Deacon Sr. After graduating from Covington High School, Deacon went to work for the Newport News Shipyard where he earned an apprenticeship to the University of Michigan. After earning his degree as a Naval Architect Marine Engineer, Deacon and his wife Mildred "Millie" Ayers Deacon returned to Virginia adding two daughters, Melinda and Michele, to their family as Deacon continued to build his career at Newport News Shipyard.

Deacon was very active in the Boy Scouts for many years.

Deacon was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Newport News, Virginia where he was chairman of the board, president of Methodist Men, and a Deacon. He held all offices of the church, as well as taught youth Sunday school and ran the youth group. Together with Earl Andrew they started the Brunswick Stew and BBQ which, over 50 years later, is still going strong.

Deacon moved to New Orleans in 1981, to work for Buck Kreihs Marine Repair where he later retired as the chief ship repair estimator.

Deacon was a member and past president of the Marine Club of New Orleans. Every year he was asked to play Santa Claus because of his white hair, white beard, and sense of humor.

Moving to Pass Christian Mississippi, Deacon and his second wife Patricia Rigdon Deacon delighted in retirement. Deacon loved playing golf and watching football, especially his alma mater U-M, "Go Blue!". As a member of Pass Christian Isles Golf Club, PCI, where he enjoyed golf, red wine, and the company of good friends. He also loved spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the Troutman family (neighbors, friends, and caregivers).

Deacon is survived by his brother Jerry Deacon (Carol) of Louisa Virginia; daughters Melinda Mills (Brian) and Michele Grenz (Matt); grandchildren Samantha Winders (Jeff), James Mills, and Larysa Grenz; great grandchildren Wesley and Bentley Winders, all of New Orleans, Louisiana; two step children Kelley Tipps (Mark) and Chris Ridgon (Sandra); step grandchildren Hunter Tipps, Autumn Tipps, Cole Rigdon, and Amber Rigdon, all reside in Texas.

Members of PCI Golf Club, the Marine Club of New Orleans, friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of life Friday June 18, 2021 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at PCI Golf Club, 150 Fairway Drive, Pass Christian, Mississippi.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Long Beach, is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com