Frank Edward "Ed" Deen

Frank Edward “Ed” Deen, age 85, of Baxley passed away Monday, June 3, 2024 at Community Hospice in Vidalia.

Ed was born September 1, 1938 in Douglas to Emory and Edna Thomas Deen of Alma. He grew up a happy, loved child in Bacon County. He joined his beloved Air Force at 17 and went to Basic Training on his 18th Birthday. Ed was stationed in Savannah, GA during the Bay of Pigs. Ed was a Recruiter during the Vietnam War for 5 years before leaving the Air Force, serving 13 years. His first love was Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, whom he came to know personally in 1980. He loved his wife of 44 years Kathy Morris Deen, his son Alan Morris Atkins and wife Kendra. Ed adored his grandsons Alan Michael Atkins and Jacob Atkins who were a part of his caretaking team in his last years and his grands Zachary (Danielle) and Alexa Atkins. He was blessed by his Goddaughters, Louise Morris Panter and Katie Stephens Ward and his Godson, John Mark Stephens. The Chaudowin Morris family was extra special to Ed and included him as one of their own.

Ed is survived by one adopted bother, Donnie Deen, of Alma, long-term friends, Elaine Stephens and Dr. Terry and Patsy Deloach. Also surviving are his Brother-in-law, Mickey Morris, and Sisters-in-law, Judy Morris and Jane Morris. Preceding Ed in death were his two children: daughter, Rhonda Deen Guess, and son, Cecil Edward Deen; his loving parents, Emory and Edna Deen; his special in-laws, J. P. and Montene Morris; brother-in-law Donnie Morris; his “Godparents” Ross & Bess Freeman; and Stacy Atkins; and close friends: Chaudowin Morris and John Stephens.

Ed loved his Savior and he loved the churches he was a member of – First United Methodist Church, where he was humbled to serve as an usher for 27 years (all those years with his dear friend Staten Lewis, Jr.), Sunday School President, Chairman of the Board, Lay Leader, Lay Member to Annual Conference, and served on the South GA Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Ed worked with Young at Heart where he always had a hug ready for them. He was also selected to represent the South Georgia Methodist Conference to the World Methodist Council in Bristol, England in 2001 where he was able to meet with Methodist Leaders/Pastors from all over the world. His favorite job for years was being on the Visitation Team each Monday night with Jimmy Swain. Ed was a charter member of Christ Community Church of Appling County, Inc. that began in 2009. He was honored to serve on the Board of Directors and as an Usher until his health would no longer allow. After many different jobs in the Manufactured Home Industry from Field Serviceman to Plant Production Manager, he and his wife Kathy opened Baxley Housing Center, Inc. September 1, 1982. He retired on January 1, 2018.

He loved helping provide his customers with a home. He treated all customers equally and considered it an honor to serve them. He was awarded many awards by the Manufactured Home Industry including Fleetwood’s #1 Dealer in Ga twice and Top 100 in America - Lifetime Achievement Award and Outstanding Service to Customer Awards. He was honored with the GMHA’s Community Service Award.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday June 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Christ Community Church with Rev. Brad Park, Rev. Mike Ricker, Rev. Adam Ricker, and Rev. Calvin Morris Officiating and a eulogy by Alan Michael Atkins.  Interment will follow in Asbury Church Cemetery.

The visitation will be one hour prior to the time of service.

Pallbearers: Alan Michael Atkins, Alan Atkins, Staten Lewis, Jr., John David Sellers II, Ignacio Bautista, Jimmy Swain, Randy DeWitt, Henry Morris Alternate: Louise Morris Panter.

Honorary Pallbearers: Pat & Omer McLean, Staten & Sandra Lewis; Tami Swain, Cindy Ricker; Rebecca Ricker; Debbie Park; Charles & Millie Adams, Ignacio Bautista-Rodriques family; Tina and Kevin Hardwick; Joni Harrell Family; Richie McMillan; Ward Harvey, Forest & Karen Wildes; Bob Highsmith; Ken & Marcia Brown; Gary & Debbie Hanson; Angie & Randy Hanson, Errol & Denise Graham; Mark & Carol Barnes; Jimmy & Christy Hardin; Dennis and Nona Altman; Bobby and Wynona Lewis; Elaine Tuten; Susan and Kris Knox; Donnie & Randi Thornton; Jimmy & Karen Davis; Tim & Angie Varnadore; Wilbur & Barbara Murray.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Christ Community Church, P. O. Box 1318, Baxley, GA 31515; First UMC, 217 S Main St., Baxley, GA 31513; Asbury Church, P. O. Box 539, Baxley, GA 3151.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.