After a lengthy and courageous battle, Claude Deyton departed this life on Saturday, October 30th. Just as she had been for 53 years, his wife, Linda, was by his side, along with his precious daughter, Traci. He spent his 76 years on earth making others laugh and smile, bringing joy to those around him. On this day, we lost a loving husband, a doting father, a treasured family member, a valued friend, one of Santa’s best helpers, a wealth of knowledge, and a true hero in every sense of the word.
Born the seventh of eleven children to Cecil and Leora Tipton Deyton, Claude was raised knowing the importance of faith, family, and humility. Anyone who knew him recognized the significance each of these played in his life and in the relationships he established with others. He never met a stranger, and took great pleasure in conversations with old acquaintances, as well as those he was meeting for the very first time. Claude made each one feel important, and his caring nature will impact multitudes for many years to come.
In the late 1960’s, Claude was drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam. While this meant he must leave home, his family, and the love of his life to answer the call of duty, he later remarked that he was thankful to have been selected to represent his family. He was always willing to put his family first and to sacrifice for the safety of those he loved, including other soldiers who fought alongside him.
Before he left for his new assignment overseas, Claude’s mother provided him with the most important weapon he would need during the War – a Bible. Upon his return, the formerly white Bible was covered with dried mud and filled with dingy, dog-eared pages, reflecting its journey with and its importance to Claude. While he frequently found himself in harm’s way over and over again in battle, Claude attributed his safe return home to God, to letters of encouragement from Linda, as well as his family and friends, and to the innumerable prayers sent up on his behalf.
As a result of his stellar leadership and bravery in Vietnam, Claude received numerous recognitions including, but not limited to, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts. Nonetheless, he never boasted nor bragged, but chose instead to share stories of others’ heroic actions and gestures while downplaying his own role in saving the lives of several comrades. He was satisfied to remain in the shadows while others were thrust into the limelight due largely to his hard work, encouragement, assistance, and efforts.
Several years after Linda and Claude began their life together, he acquired his dream job with NC Cooperative Extension as an agriculture technician. This was the environment where he was most at home, as it afforded him the opportunity to do what he enjoyed – meet new people, talk to others, and share his knowledge of and love for farming.
Claude was a visionary who realized, well in advance of the Tobacco Buyout, that local farmers could and should be looking at alternative income-producing crops, as well as agri-tourism opportunities. As he had done throughout his life, Claude led by example by creating Mt. Mitchell Produce, a small organic farm that he ran with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, Joel McMahan. By and through Claude’s vision, numerous local farmers could continue to do what they loved while still being able to provide for their families.
Throughout his career, Claude became extremely well-known among local farmers and was quick to befriend each and every one. At the same time, he was making his mark on the agricultural world at state and national levels as evidenced in several articles, research reports, and even in published books. For his expertise and reputation right here in Yancey County, the Farm City Week Farmer Award was officially renamed the Claude Deyton Farmer Award – an honor in which he took great pride.
Linda and Claude were blessed with their daughter, Traci, who quickly became the light of their lives. Traci was Claude’s pride and joy, and they shared a special father-daughter bond that would be envied by most. He even introduced Traci to her future husband who quickly became the son he never had. Their loss is tremendous as they looked to him for guidance and advice on a daily basis.
In addition to his parents, Claude was preceded in death by brothers Lloyd, Boyd, Ben and Clyde Deyton, sisters-in-law Caroline, Genevieve, and Sharon Deyton, and nephew Phillip Deyton.
Others left to treasure memories of Claude are brothers: Clarence (Doris) and Johnny Deyton of Burnsville, Donnie Deyton (Sandy) of South Knoxville, TN; sisters: Hope Hensley (Bobby) and Helen Hughes (Mike) of Burnsville, and Doris Willis (Jim) of Old Fort; and sisters-in-law: Billie Jo Deyton, Betty Jane Deyton, and Jackie Gillespie, all of Burnsville. His little buddy, Bear, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and their extended families, mourn his passing, as well as countless friends – all of whom he made feel extremely special each time they were in his presence.
As a final request and out of concern for the health of his loving wife, there will be no visitation service. However, a graveside service will be held on Friday, November 5th, at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow in the Cecil Deyton Family Cemetery on Charlie Deyton Road in Green Mountain. Rev. Chad Chrisawn will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the DAV Sgt. E.L. Randolph Chapter 57 of which Claude was a proud member.
In recognition of his love of farming and Yancey County, as well as his desire to make a difference in the lives of others, a scholarship is being established in his memory. This will be awarded to a senior in the FFA program at Mountain Heritage High School who wishes to continue his or her education in agriculture. Donations toward this may be made to Yancey County Schools to the attention of Robbie Renfro at PO Box 190, Burnsville, NC 28714, and please note that your donation should benefit the Claude C. Deyton Scholarship Fund.
To send and online condolence please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com
