Roland Eugene Deaton, Jr., 70, of Chattanooga, died on Thursday March 23, 2017, surrounded by his Kansas City family at Erlanger Hospital, after a 30-year struggle with Multiple Sclerosis.
After graduating from the University of Florida, Captain Deaton served his country as a USAF navigator during the Viet Nam War. He was a MBA and CPA, who spent much of his professional life in health care as a hospital administrator, health care consultant and medical practice administrator. He enjoyed volunteering in animal rescue for the SPCA of TN & Best Friends Animal Society. He was a runner, stamp & coin collector, cat enthusiast, and member of Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Barbara.
Survivors include his daughter, Christine Rene Miller; grandsons, Alex and Stephen Miller; brother, Mark Deaton; sisters, Susan Howard, Peggy Farnsworth and Vicki Fessler; siblings’ spouses; eight nieces; one nephew; their twelve children; one aunt; and four first cousins.
Memorial contributions can be made to Best Friends Animal Society or National MS Society.
Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Monday March 27, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 106, Trenton, GA.
Arrangements are by Ryan Funeral Home, Trenton, GA.