James Franklin Deal, 94, of Dillard, Ga., left this earth on January 17, 2018 to join his loving wife of 67 years, Frances Harriett Deal.

He was born in Gainesville, GA on November 30, 1923 to W.E. Deal and Selma Stanton Deal.  James was the youngest of 8 children, all of whom predeceased him.  He was a graduate of Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and the University of Georgia.  He served in the Navy during WWII.  Upon graduation from UGA he worked as Farm Manager and as an Associate Professor while attending graduate school.

He then took his family to Athens, TN to manage the farm operations at Mayfield Farm.  Next, he continued his love of Jersey cows by working and traveling for the American Jersey Cattle Club.  He went from there to be the Director of Agriculture and Forrest Services and the Head of the Agriculture Academic Department at Berry College.  He ended his career at the place he most loved – Rabun Gap Nacoochee School working in development.

After retirement, he devoted his full energies to his church, garden, photography and his love of the outdoors.  He was proud to have been a member of the Dillard Methodist Church where he loved being a member for many years The Methodist Men's Club and singing in the choir.  He is survived by his three children:  Stephen Deal and his wife Ann of Cumming, GA; Vicki Deal and her husband Roy Bunce of Longmeadow, MA; Meagan Ellington and her husband Jim of Asheville, NC; 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in James' memory to Rabun Gap Nacoochee School  339 Nacoochee Dr, Rabun Gap, GA 30568 or Dillard United Methodist Church 5 Betty Whitecloud St, Dillard, GA 30537

The family will receive friends at the Beck Funeral Home on Saturday January 20, 2018 from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm.

A graveside funeral service will follow at the Dillard United Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Doug Volk officiating.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.