Chris Deats' Obituary
Chris Alan Deats 69, of Millington, TN has been decommissioned on earth on Friday March 13, 2026, and retrofitted in heaven. Captain by one spouse, Julie and three crew members Marissa (Mark) Smith and Casey Wade. He was born on December 25, 1956, to Harry and Marguerite Deats of Elmira, NY. Chris was the youngest boy of seven children. He had the pleasure of enlisting in the US Navy with his oldest brother Terry, following graduation from Elmira Free Academy in NY. Chris’s 20-year Naval career included multiple duty assignments at San Diego CA, Norfolk VA, Washington DC, Newfoundland, Canada and his last destination of Millington, TN. There were 2 shipboard assignments on USS Dixie and L.Y. Spear.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1997, Chris attended Strayer College and earned a bachelor’s degree in IT. With this degree, he worked at the Naval base in Millington, TN as a contractor. He enjoyed listening to a variety of music. In Canada, his enjoyment included softball, bowling and ceramics. Being an avid Green Bay Packers fan, he never missed watching his favorite team play. Sports was one of many of Chris’ passions.
Chris will be remembered for his quirky sense of humor. Even when he was at the hospital, he continued to flirt with his wife and joked with his daughter. He never would turn down a good steak dinner either. Cooking on the grill was favorite skill to master. While in the Navy, he was the head chef at the base club in Washington, DC. This is where he met and married Julie. He would relish new seasonings by creating and experimenting with foods. He would countdown with anticipation to the BBQ contests held on the base in Millington. Chris delighted in challenges of trouble shooting any type of electronics. If it didn’t work right, Chris was going to find a way to make it work. Throughout the week, Chris’s reveled watching his favorite WWE with his family while eating a delicious meal. His other passion came from a good board game where he would strategize to win every time. His favorite character he just always was fond of was the Peanuts because he had a canny look of looking like Charlie Brown. Chris will be missed during Halloween. He had such a keen sense of decorating and lived for this magical night of dressing up and handing out the goodies outside with multiple tables set up with candy, chips, cookies and a treasure chest. He had already begun to prepare for it.
Chris was a member of Gateway Baptist church in Atoka, TN.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents Harry Deats and Marguerite (Bill) Sharp, his siblings Terry Deats, David Deats and Mary Draht. His brothers-in-law David Melton, Bernie Owens and granddaughter Destinee Wade.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years Julie Theobald Deats, daughter Marissa (Mark) Smith of Atoka, TN, son Casey Wade of Wadsworth, OH. His siblings Donna Owens, Darla Melton and Barbara Brown. There are grandchildren along with nieces and nephews who will miss him.
What’s your fondest memory of Chris?
What’s a lesson you learned from Chris?
Share a story where Chris' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Chris you’ll never forget.
How did Chris make you smile?