Dewey Ralph Deavers, 86, of Verbena, Alabama passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2026, at Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

Dewey, affectionately known as “Gramps” to his family, was born April 5, 1940, in the Shiloh Community of Chilton County to Oscar Lee and Verlon Mullins Deavers. Gramps was born to a father who was a farmer, pastor, and carpenter, and learned the value of hard work and serving Christ.

Gramps worked hard and gave 100% to every task he undertook. He loved his wife (Ann Griffin Deavers) with the same passion and determination from the time he took her as his bride on February 9, 1962, until the moment he stepped into his eternity. They were not only husband and wife, but best friends, and created a Christian model for their children, Derek Brendon Deavers and Melanie Deavers Langner.

Gramps became a grandfather on December 14, 1996 to twin boys (Garret & Grant Deavers) in Milton, Florida. Because Gramps had just retired from Alabama Power Company and could not stand the thought of those twins being in the hands of strange daycare workers, he spent his weeks in Florida taking care of them while their parents worked, and traveled home on weekends to be with his wife Ann. Just one of many examples of the love he displayed to his entire family.

Gramps, having an engineering mind and a God-given ability to design, build, repair, and restore anything he put his hands to, was often called upon by neighbors, friends, and family to help in times of need, and he always answered that call.

Gramps loved his Lord first, his bride second, his children and grandchildren next, and he loved his church family. He served all of them in that Biblical order and never once neglected or let either of them down. Gramps was “one of a kind.”

Although Gramps will be missed by so many, his servanthood, love, morals, work ethic, and goodness will be remembered by all who knew him, and even some who didn’t as he was often the person who happened to come along and helped a stranger in need.

Gramps didn’t leave anyone behind; he just stepped into the presence of God before his wife of 64 years, Ann, and his children: Melanie (Don) Langner and Derek (Leslee) Deavers. His grandchildren: Katherine Langner, Natalia (Elliot) Smith, Valentina (Charlie) Taylor, Wil Langner, Garret (Whitney) Deavers, Grant (Taylor) Deavers, Gabriel Deavers, and Greyson Deavers. His great-grandchildren: Kadyn Deavers, Emmy Lou Deavers, and next month, Billie Ann Deavers. His brother, Jeff (Denise) Deavers, and his sister, Joan Jones Parrish.

Family who preceded Gramps in glory: father and mother, Oscar Lee and Verlon. Brother, Lester Deavers. Sisters: Myra Lee Deavers, Elsie Hill, and Ozelle Mims.

Gramp’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, September 17 at Chestnut Creek Baptist Church in Verbena, Alabama. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 until 11 at Chestnut Creek Church.  The celebration will be led by Gramp’s son, Derek, and his pastor, Jimmy Simpler. A brief graveside service will follow in the Chestnut Creek cemetery.