Samuel Thomas Deal, 87, of White Marsh, passed away Jan. 7, 2015 in Riverside Walter Reed Hospital following a lengthy illness, which was preceded by a long life of dedicated service to God and his fellow man.

His wife and daughter called him their angel and often told him so. He was born at Naxera, Va., on Jan. 11, 1927, attended the Naxera School and graduated from Botetourt High School in 1943. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Okinawa and the Philippines. He retired from the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station in 1982 after 37 years of employment.

A dedicated Christian, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Gloucester, where he served in many capacities including elder, usher and teacher of the Men’s Bible Class. He was a member of Botetourt Lodge No. 7, A.F & A.M., and he also served as a docent at the Gloucester Museum of History for 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verna and Charlie Deal; sister, Ethel Deal Hurley; brother, Charles Braxton Deal; and a nephew, A. Gene Hurley, all of Gloucester. 

Survivors include his beloved wife, Betty Jean Dunston Deal; daughter, Beverley Vern Garnett; granddaughter, Jade Garnett; sister, Marilyn Burnette; nieces, Georgette and Leighton Hurley, all of Gloucester, and a grandson, Rob Garnett of Williamsburg.

Due to the flu epidemic, there was no visitation at the funeral home. The family requested that phone calls and visits be postponed until a later date. Prayers and cards would be appreciated.

A graveside service was held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, which was Sam’s 88th birthday, at Rosewell Memorial Garden Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Douglas Nagel of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Friends were invited to gather at the cemetery.

In our beloved Sam’s memory, please make donations to the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Arrangements by Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point.