Bernard Deason

Bernard “Bernie” Deason, 82, of Prosperity, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his home. Born in Savannah, Georgia, he was a son of the late Bernard and Trudy Deason.

Bernie was a man who could fix just about anything, earning him the nickname “Mr. Fix It.” Whether he was woodworking, restoring the family’s old mountain cabin, tying his own fishing flies, or building unique bird houses, he took pride in working with his hands and figuring things out. An avid fisherman and bird watcher, Bernie found great joy in the outdoors and especially loved time spent on Lake Murray. He was also a member of the South Carolina Forestry Association and the Lake Murray Association. Bernie was a practicing and devout Catholic. In recent years, he faithfully attended Sunday morning Mass by video from the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.

During his career with Stone Container Company, Bernie was honored with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in 1995, a recognition that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication. But to those who knew and loved him best, his greatest accomplishments were being a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. He loved gathering with family, hosting oyster roasts for neighbors and friends, and always had a quick joke ready to make others smile.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Nook Deason; son, Jimmy Deason and his husband, Rick; son, Scott Deason and his wife, Georgia; grandson, Zack Deason and wife, Lauren, and granddaughter, Lexi Deason. Also surviving are his sister, Frances Phillips; along with many dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him greatly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James T. Deason; and his in-laws, Randolph Earl and Annie Jewel Gould.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org.