Charles “Charlie” Duling Deacon
Mr. Charles “Charlie” Duling Deacon of Covington, 92, passed away on June 2, 2023, at the Brian Center in Low Moor, Virginia. He was born in Covington on June 21, 1930, to the late Claude Bryan Deacon and Sarah Duling Deacon.
Charlie married the love of his life, Joyce Ann Reynolds, on September 26, 1957. They remained married for more than 46 years until her passing in 2004. Charlie was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Claude William Deacon in 1959 and John Reagan Deacon in 2022.
He is survived by his sons, Charles Michael Deacon of Roanoke and John Scott Deacon (Kathleen) of Roanoke, and a daughter, Kathy Deacon Broughman (George) of Clifton Forge. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Kelly Deacon Eikenberg (Josh) of Hawaii, Justin Michael Broughman (Kaitlin) of Stephens City, Virginia; Lauren Broughman Turpin (DJ) of Big Island, Virginia; and Sarah Deacon Epperly (Lucas) of Roanoke. Additionally, he is survived by one step-grandson, Clinton Jeffrey Colquhoun of Roanoke, and two great-granddaughters, Sadie Rose Turpin and Lily Rachel Turpin, both of Big Island, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Charlie was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Covington where he served as a Deacon, an Elder, and on the church board. He graduated from Covington High School in 1949 and from Emory and Henry College in 1953 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and a minor in Biology. He also played both high school and college football during those years. During his time at Emory and Henry, he and his team played in the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Florida, which he spoke of often.
He was a member of the National Guard for two years and was employed as a teacher and coach in Emporia, Virginia upon graduation from Emory and Henry. He later accepted a position as a teacher and coach at the former Central High School in Low Moor, Virginia and also coached football with the late Boodie Albert at Covington High School. He was employed with Industrial Rayon and Hercules in Covington from the late 1950s until his retirement in 1991.
He was a member of the Covington Rotary Club for a number of years and he enjoyed the many outings, celebrations, and dances held at the Homestead Resort with his wife, Joyce. He loved sports of all kinds, especially football. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed basketball, as well as the Atlanta Braves. He was a hunter in his younger years, loved trout fishing, gardening, babysitting his grandchildren after his retirement, and playing all kinds of games in his yard with his grandson, Justin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church at 185 North Maple Avenue, Covington, Virginia 24426.
A funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Covington on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Susan Ennis officiating. Interment will be follow at Central Advent Christian Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be George Broughman, Justin Broughman, Mike Deacon, John Deacon, Bobby Deacon, Mike Rollins and Lucas Epperly.
The family will receive friends on Monday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at First Presbyterian Church.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life meal at The Life House, 601 Granville Street, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 following the graveside service.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Deacon’s memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhom1913.com.
