Service
Emmette Ray “Bud” Deal, 97, of Drexel, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at UNC Health Blue Ridge after a brief illness.
Born in Burke County on July 22, 1928, Bud was the son of the late Ephraim Lynn Deal and Estelle Laura Campbell Deal. He was married for 56 wonderful years to the late Mildred Louise Pearson Deal, with whom he shared a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion.
Bud retired after 45 years of dedicated service as a scheduler at Drexel Heritage Furniture Plant #1. Following retirement, he became affectionately known in the community as “the white-haired man that sells flowers on Drexel Road.” His friendly smile and easy conversation made the garden center a favorite stop for many. Bud never met a stranger—he enjoyed chatting with everyone who came by and took special joy in handing out popsicles to children who visited.
A true “fixer of all things,” Bud had a remarkable talent for repairing just about anything—from small appliances and lawnmowers to furniture. His hands were rarely still, and his heart was always ready to help others.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughter, Cynthia Ann Smith; two grandchildren, Lisa Nichols (Denny) and Jason Smith (Ambria); and four great-grandchildren, Garrett and Jared Nichols and Marc and Madalyn Smith.
He thought the sun rose and set in his grandchildren, but his great grandchildren were the light of his life and brought him endless joy.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Sossoman Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Burke Memorial Park.
Bud’s kindness, ingenuity, and warm spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Emmette Ray “Bud” Deal.
I am so sad to see Bud go but I know he will Light up heaven the same way he did my heart And everyone else he met. I am blessed to have gotten to spend time with him and his family. Sending love and condolences Kayla Bingham-Hopewell Family Medicine
Bud, I will miss you so very much. You were a ray of sunshine on gloomy days. You would share stories of all of our relatives that you worked with at the Great plant 1 in Drexel. You loved flowers and I loved buying from you. You were such a gentleman. Always cleaning trash out of the ditches . Always a wave when I went to Cloud 9 to get my hair done. I will miss you but I will see you again. In that heavenly home. My prayers to Ann and the grandchildren and great grandchildren. We loved you Bud!
The Cozort girls will miss Bud as we would call him about this situation or that situation. He always had a wise and loving caring answer no matter what the situation was. He and Louise were always near by during baton competition to watch daughter, Ann win honors and trophies as she twirled her b aton throughout the state. I will miss blowing my horn at him as I pass by his home on Drexel Road while mowing the lawn and him giving me a great big wave. I've been blessed with many people coming in and out of my life, but Bud and Louise was that pillar that continued to support our family. I will miss him as I have missed Louise.
Bud was a truly loving man. He possessed an endless generous spirit. I am grateful to have known him as a true friend of our family. Hugs across the miles to Ann, Lisa and Jason
Ms. Smith, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️