Byron I. Deese of Ranburne, Alabama, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 96, with his family by his side.

Mr. Deese was born on October 10, 1929, in Cleburne County, Alabama, to the late Alvin Thomas "Sam" Deese and Lillie Anglin Deese.

He retired from Anniston Army Depot in 1988 and began a full-time career in cattle farming, a pursuit he dearly loved. He spent the next 30 years increasing his cattle herd and acreage and developing the farm with his wife and helpmate by his side in full support. His children often said he did not want all the land around—just the land that touched his!

Mr. Deese is survived by the love of his life, Joyce Crumley Deese, to whom he was married on March 18, 1950. Their marriage was blessed with four children, who also survive: Norman (Becky) Deese, Myron Dale (Kimberly Watson) Deese, Sharon Tyroff, and Valerie (Scottie) Cofield.

He is also survived by grandchildren Amy Bryan, Autumn (Brandon) Davis, Jennifer (Scott) Ballard, Corrie Deese, Dayla (David) Wittmeyer, Stephanie (Matt) Lee, Don Pollard, Allison (Blake) Morris, and Drew (Kaley) Cofield; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his brother, Kenneth Deese; sisters-in-law Susan Patterson and Betty Deese; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Mildred (Billy) Ridley, Helen (Troy) Brooks, Vernell (Paul) Smith, Darence Deese, Owedia (Wendell) Spruell, and Othelia "Johnny" Deese; sister-in-law Jean Deese; and son-in-law James Tyroff.

Mr. Deese was a lifelong member of Crumley's Chapel Church of God, and the life of his family centered on the scripture from Joshua 24:15: "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." He held many leadership positions in the church and was a faithful worshiper until his health declined. He loved gospel music and sang in a quartet with his brothers, finding great joy in those times. As long as he and his surviving brother Kenneth could spend time together, that time always included singing some of their favorite songs.

The family is deeply grateful to the staff of Laurel Glen Memory Care and Autumn Square Assisted Living, where Mr. and Mrs. Deese have spent the last several years of their lives. Their care and comfort for our parents have been such a blessing.

Visitation and services will be held at Crumley's Chapel Church of God, 288 Co Rd 644, Heflin, AL on Sunday, January 11, 2026, with visitation at 2:00 CST and service to follow at 3:00 CST. Brother Tony Mahathy and Brother Stacey Hendrix will lead the service.

Interment will follow at Crumley's Chapel Church of God, with Pastor Stacey Hendrix leading the interment service. Nephews serving as pallbearers will be Steve Deese, Greg Deese, Keith Brooks, Kevin Brooks, Everett Smith, Darnell Smith, Michael Fordham, and Scott Williams. Grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Crumley's Chapel Church of God Cemetery Fund, 288 Co Rd 644, Heflin, AL 36273 in memory of Mr. Deese.

Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.