Mr. John Deese, age 69 of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away Saturday morning, March 19, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Deese was born on August 25, 1946 in Badin, NC, one of four children born to the late Elton and LaRue Deese. He graduated from North Stanly High School in New London, NC, Class of 1964 and then attended Wingate College in Monroe, NC. Mr. Deese enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. He received his Honorable Discharge in 1969. Mr. Deese was Vice President of Marketing with several convenient store groups beginning his career in North Carolina. In 1985, Mr. Deese moved to Jacksonville, FL and in 2010 to Fernandina Beach, FL. Mr. Deese loved the outdoors, grilling out and looking for sharks teeth on the beach. He enjoyed playing putt-putt, listening to Rock-n-Roll music, and watching Nascar. He had a passion for his pets and all animals. He was Baptist by faith.

He leaves behind his son, Bill Deese and his wife Kelly of Cary, NC; his daughter Kendal Hartel and her husband Michael of Columbia, SC; his sisters, Brenda Burleson of Mt. Gilead, NC, Marky Deese of Columbia, SC and Chris Purdy and her husband Bob of Port Orange, FL; his five grandchildren, Gracie Deese, Taylor Dwyer, Hannah Hartel, Aidan Hartel, Declan Hartel and one great-granddaughter, Delaney Dwyer.

A memorial will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home with Reverend Frank Camarotti officiating.

If so desired memorials may be made in Mr. Deese�s name to the Nassau County Humane Society, 639 Airport Rd, Fernandina Beach FL, 32034.