Reverend William Gene “Bill” Deakins

Published 12:53 pm Thursday, May 17, 2018

REV. BILL DEAKINS

Reverend William Gene “Bill” Deakins,  91, of Cordele, GA formerly of Newnan, husband of Norma Jean Sherrer Turton passed away on May 15, 2018 in his sleep.

Born in Chattanooga, TN, March 2, 1927 at his grandmother’s house, he was the son of the late Clarence and Lora Smith Deakins. Bill graduated from Central High School in 1945. After serving in the Naval Airforce for 2 years at the end of World War II, he later returned to school to graduate from Brenton Parker Junior College and Mercer University to begin his life in the ministry.

Bill served as an ordained Southern Baptist minister for 50 years including several churches.  He also served as the director of missions for the West Georgia conference for the Georgia Baptist convention. Bill enjoyed playing golf and all kinds of sports and cheering for the GA Bulldogs.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Sue Deakins.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters Angie (Danny) Helmly, Cindy (Sonny) Thomaston, and Wanda (Buck) Lee; grandchildren Trent Lee, Travis Lee, Shelly Helmly, David Thomaston, Brandon Thomaston, Shannon Phillips, Carmen Phillips and Johnathon Phillips; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 AM at Macedonia Baptist Church in Newnan with Dr. John Riley and Reverend Matthew Myers officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 AM until the service hour at the church. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mckoon.com

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, 1504 Macedonia RD. Newnan, GA 30263 or to Cordele First United Methodist Church, 302 East 12th Avenue, Cordele 31015.Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mckoon.com

The family wishes to thank McKoon Funeral home in Cordele and Rainey Funeral Home  and Reflections Hospice in Cordele.

McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580