J.T. Deaton, age 80, of Blue Ridge, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2018. Born on February 27, 1938 in Fannin County, he was the son of the late Baxter Curtis and Lula Belle Colwell Deaton. He worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator and Diesel Mechanic for McDougal Construction. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Sue Norton Deaton; brothers, Baxter, Bill, Bob, Ted, and Howard "Bo" Deaton. He is survived by his son, Gary Deaton of Blue Ridge; sister, Betty Bell of Blue Ridge; and special sister-in-law, Donnie Mae Norton of Blue Ridge. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, December 28, 2018, at 11:00 am from Akins Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jess Posey will officiate. Interment will follow in the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Speck Callihan, Travis Norton, Jason McClure, William McClure, John McClure, and Jimmy Underwood will serve as pallbearers. Benny McClure will serve as honorary pallbearer. The family will visit with friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements. . Visitation Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge Thursday, December 27, 2018 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions Funeral Service Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge Friday, December 28, 2018 11:00 AM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions