Robert Turner Deans, age 74, of Clayton, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021 following a brief illness. Born in Selma, on August 24, 1947, he was the son of the late Calvin Carl Deans, Sr. and Bertha Harper Deans. Mr. Deans was also preceded in death by his sisters, Frances Morgan and Marie Pearce.

Mr. Deans graduated from Selma High School, Johnston Community College, and Atlantic Christian College with a degree in Accounting.  He was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam war who served as a Military Police Officer in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam.  He served with the "Highway Platoon" of B Company, 504th MP Battalion out of Pleiku, South Vietnam. He received the National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal with Device, Expert Riffle, Sharp Shooter Pistol SP-4 Rank.

Mr. Deans was in-country during the Tet Offensive.  He completed his service in White Sands, NM, as a Military Police Officer, after which he  returned home to Selma where he made a decision not to join the local police force, but instead chose to begin a long career in public accounting.  He served the State of North Carolina with the DHHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services for more than 30 years in accounting, auditing, and leadership.  He also served in leadership roles including as president of the North Carolina Rehabilitation Association.  Governor Bev Perdue awarded Mr. Deans with North Carolina's highest award for service to the state, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, upon his retirement.

Robert enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his five grandchildren.  He loved reading spy novels and mysteries and thrillers, traveling in NC and beyond, researching his family history, and watching and participating in sports.  As a former baseball and football player, he was a lifelong fan of the Atlanta Braves, the UNC Tarheels, and stock-car racing.

His most favorite activity was attending band concerts, plays, chorus concerts, soccer games, baseball games, and t-ball games in which his grandchildren were performing or playing.

Mr. Deans will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Parrish Funeral Home Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm -3:00 pm at Parrish Funeral Home.  The funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm, with the entombment at the Selma Memorial Gardens Mausoleum immediately following. Masks and social distancing are required by the family.

Mr. Deans is survived by his wife of forty years,  DiAnn Raynor Deans; daughter, Kimberly Deans Brantley and husband,  James of Clayton; son, Jeremy Deans and wife, April of Garner; granddaughters, Mollie Brantley and Emilee Brantley of Clayton; grandsons, Harrison Deans, Turner Deans, and Hayden Deans of Garner.  He is also survived by his brother, Calvin Carl Deans, Jr. and wife, Katie of Clinton, NC.  Mr. Deans leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and special family friends who were like family to him.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to The American Red Cross or the Vietnam Veterans of America.