Obituary of Carroll Clayton Deitz

Carroll Clayton Deitz, of Sylva, passed away Friday, October 3, 2014, at the age of 89, with his family by his side. Clayton was born April 16, 1925 to the late Alvin and Dana (Hall) Deitz. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers; Cline, Carter and Arvil Deitz and two sisters; Evelyn Deitz Buchanan and Etna Deitz Connell. He is survived by one brother, Loy Deitz (Brenda) of Sylva, two sisters; Frankie Deitz Ward of Sylva and Bobbie Deitz Derrickson (Ken) of Harpers Ferry, WV. Also surviving are his three sons; Boyce (Sandra) Deitz of Sylva, Randy (Pat) Deitz of Sylva and Tim (Susan) Deitz of Kingston, TN, and two daughters; Sherri Deitz and Donna Deitz (Frank, Jr.) Watson, both of Cullowhee. 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, his ex-wife of 45 years and longtime friend, Katie P. Deitz Burrell of Sylva and a special friend and companion, Susie Lewis, and her son Logan, of Rocky Mount, VA. Clayton was a proud and decorated veteran of the US Army and served during the Normandy Invasion of WW2 and V-Day in France. He was recently awarded the French Legion of Honor Award. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church and a former member of Scotts Creek Baptist Church. Many fond memories where made with Clayton with his hunting, fishing, trapping, "seng" digging, his bee keeping, woodworking and photography. He had a passion for football and later in life learned a love for dancing. One of his favorite past times was to share old tales of the past with his children and grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Charles Dean officiating. Family will receive friends on Monday evening, October 6, 2014 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at the funeral home. A military burial will be at East Fork Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Travis Clark, Rocky Deitz, Zack Watson, Austin Holloway, Cal Raleigh and Jack Stuckey .