William "Buck" Marcus Deal, Sr.

William M. “Buck” Deal, age 84, passed away at his home in Lenoir, NC, surrounded by his family on Friday, September 12, 2025.

He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to his church and community, along with a deep love for his family and country. Buck was born in Caldwell County on October 14, 1940, to Marcus Deal and Lillie Mae Teague.

Some would say he lived the American dream. He was raised in a two-bedroom farmhouse with limited indoor plumbing and electricity. Despite his meager circumstances, Buck was a self-made man who believed that with the right attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a fierce determination, anyone could be successful.

Buck graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1959 as the valedictorian of his class. He went to North Carolina State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and was valedictorian in 1963. He completed his Master of Business Administration from the Harvard School of Business in 1968. During this time, he served in the Army National Guard. Of all his years in business, Buck struck the best deal when he married his wife of 56 years, Carol Parks, on June 22, 1969.

As a teenager, Buck began his career with Bernhardt Industries sweeping the floors of the manufacturing plants. During his 41-year career with Bernhardt, he held leadership positions including director of engineering operations and vice president of manufacturing.

Throughout his career, he was active in the American Furniture Manufacturers Association and served as co-chair of the Furniture Industry Task Force, working with the Environmental Protection Agency to establish air quality standards for the furniture industry. He had extensive work experience in Europe and Asia as well. Additionally, Buck served on the Caldwell County Planning Board. Remembering his roots, Buck always felt it was important to give back to the community by being an active member of local civic organizations and his church. He loved baseball and understood the value sports brought to the life of the community and the enrichment of young people. He managed the Lenoir Oilers Baseball Organization from 1995-2005. He was a member of the Oak Hill Ruritan Club for over 50 years. Under his tenure as president, the club founded the first non-municipal park in the county, Oak Hill Community Park. Buck assisted with the expansion of the Oak Hill School facilities when the gym building was built in the early 1990s.

He and Carol ran a food pantry serving the Oak Hill Community for 15 years. In 2020, Buck was part of the original leadership that led the founding of Oak Hill Charter School, expanding educational choices in Caldwell County, and continued to serve as a board member of Oak Hill Development, who oversees the community facilities. Additionally, Buck was a member of

Cedar Valley United Methodist Church throughout his life serving numerous years as the chairman of the board of directors.

If you knew him, you would say that he showed his love through his acts of service. He was an engineer blessed with a brilliant mind that he used to benefit others, a perfect example of Matthew 6:3-4 and Matthew 25:34-36. A friend of his said it best, “Buck was bigger than life. He helped so many people. He changed the landscape in Oak Hill. He was a good friend. Good husband. Good father. He leaves a wonderful legacy.” One of the last things he told his grandson was, “When you step up to the plate, just go for it!” That’s how he lived and how he would want us to live life too!

Those left to cherish Buck’s memory are his wife, Carol Deal; his daughter, Kelly Deal McIntyre and husband, James McIntyre; his son William Marcus Deal, Jr. and wife, Annie Storie Deal; four grandchildren, Faith and Lucas McIntyre and Ava and Ivy Deal; and many cousins, extended family, and friends.

The family will receive friends at Waterlife Church in Lenoir, NC on Friday, September 19 from 1:30-3pm. The funeral will follow at 4pm at Cedar Valley United Methodist Church in Oak Hill Community of Lenoir, NC. Burial will follow at the Cedar Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would like all donations sent to Oak Hill Development.

Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the Deal family.