Fielding Gibson Deaton

Fielding Gibson Deaton, 76, died on April 25, 2026. He was born December 5, 1949 in Statesville, NC to Evelyn Gibson Goode Deaton and Paul McNeely Deaton, Sr MD. As a toddler, he was the accidental victim of a severe electrical shock with burns to both hands and cerebellar damage. This led to a slowly progressive cerebellar degeneration, affecting him his entire life. Ultimately this lead to severe disability and debility in his later years which he faced and endured with characteristic bravery. Thankfully his mind remained unaffected. He never uttered a complaining word about the challenges he faced throughout his life.

Fielding was in the marching band in high school and after graduation attended Mitchell College for 2 years followed by Appalachian State Teachers College, acquiring a BA in history. He then joined the US Navy in 1972 serving on the USS Dale, a Naval cruiser, as a damage control petty officer for 3 years. Upon discharge, he enrolled at Catawba College, earning a degree in archeology. Following that, he participated in several archeological digs ranging from the lowlands of SC to the NC Uwharrie Mountains to Anasazi pueblos of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.

Fielding had an amazing memory and was always the champion of Trivial Pursuit. For those who were blessed to be on his birthday/anniversary list, you could be guaranteed a card to help you celebrate. He NEVER forgot! He enjoyed TV game shows, old Westerns, especially Gunsmoke, and sports. Fielding loved his time at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville where he served for years as Head Usher and member of the Session’s Worship Division. He was a faithful member of the Men’s Bible Class and leaves many longtime friends there. The church honored him with Fielding Deaton Day on October 19, 2003 with a breakfast hosted by the Men’s Bible Class, recognition during worship and a well attended reception after church.

He was active in his community, serving on the Elections Board and as an election judge, on the board of Iredell Cancer Fund, and other areas of service.

After our father’s untimely death in 1970, he cared for our mother as she aged and died of cancer in 1991.

In 2015, Fielding entered Statesville Place, now called Brookdale Peachtree, after a period of decline. There he has received excellent care and has made many friends. His life was marked by humility, generosity and his ever present joyous spirit.

Fielding is predeceased by his parents and one brother, Thomas Goode Deaton. He is survived by his brother Paul (Amy), 2 nephews Paul McNeely Deaton III (Jill) and Joshua Glenn Deaton (Leslie), niece Laura Deaton Stunzi (Jack), sister-in-law Debbie Powell as well as 3 great nephews and 3 great nieces, Ben, Owen Ransom, Elise, Neely & Rowan. His extended family includes 2 step nephews John Tatum Bethea (Alexa) and James McAlpine Bethea, step niece Carolyn Bethea Gilliam (Tyler) and step great nephew Jack and step great niece Josephine.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Sunday May 3 at First Presbyterian Church in Statesville.  The family will receive friends from 1-2 PM at the church.  Burial will follow the Funeral at Oakwood Cemetery.

We thank you for your love for Fielding and your support through his challenging time. He truly was an extraordinary man.

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Statesville, NC, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County or Associate Fund of Brookdale Peachtree Senior Living, 2806 Peachtree Rd, Statesville, NC 28625.

Many thanks to the staff at Brookdale, for the Hospice care and for the many friends and family who visited, cared for and loved Fielding.