Thomas Edwin “Ed” Deese of Etowah passed away Friday, April 29, 2016 at his home after a long illness.

Born September 1, 1932 in Jacksonville, Florida to Clarence and Wrentzia Deese, Ed moved to Hendersonville in 1977. He was the owner of T.E. Deese Construction Company and former owner of Lyda Electric. He served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church (PCA) and was active in Gideons International. An active citizen, well-known and loved in the community, he served as local president and past district governor for the Sertoma Club. He was past president of the Henderson County Home Builders Association and served as past president of the Florida Lath and Plastering Association.

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny Deese, Winfred Deese and Earl Deese, and sisters, Belva Hensley and Lillian Ammons.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth; sons, Keith Deese (Kelly) of Mills River, Ted Deese (M’Liss) and Steve Deese (Shirley) of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Linda Foard of Jacksonville, FL; stepsons, Mike Dollar (Brenda) of Nashville, TN, and Ken Dollar of Gaffney, SC; eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; many special nieces and nephews, including niece, Sherri Brown of Travelers Rest, SC, who was such a help in his final days; two sisters, Dorothy Higginbotham (Maurice) of Callahan, FL and Pearl Lloyd of Jacksonville, FL.

A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) on Kanuga Road with the Rev. Dr. Andrew Silman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research by clicking here or Four Seasons Compassion for life by clicking here.