Ray Deen

Ray Carroll Deen Jr. went to be with God on January 2, 2026. He was born on October 1, 1962 to Barbara and Ray Carroll Deen (“Bo”.) He was raised in Trenton, Fl. and attended Trenton schools.

He graduated from Trenton High in 1981, having been very active in FFA and football. He attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee NC. Ray loved the mountains and spent vacations there with his family at their cabin in Sapphire, NC. When he was old enough to drive, he whipped around those mountain curves like a race car driver.

He liked to travel and had even ventured out of the country. In the late 1980’s Ray owned and ran the dry cleaners in Trenton and loved socializing with all the customers, who were friends from his community. He later moved to Jacksonville where he stayed for almost 30 years, managing a medical transport company. He then came back to Trenton to live with and care for his aging mother.

Ray was known for his colorful sense of humor and teasing nature. If he aggravated you, he loved you. He never met a stranger and loved talking with others. He adored his animals and was a great dog and cat dad. Ray was very tender hearted but covered it with a spicy shell. He enjoyed landscaping and interior design. He was often seen getting a sweet tea from Burger Spot, sitting on his porch, or driving around town to check on people (or aggravate them!) He loved his family dearly and would do anything for them. He had a very giving and generous nature.

During his recent illness, Ray made things right with God and asked Jesus into his life. We will see him again one glorious day! Ray will be greatly missed by his surviving family and friends: his mother Barbara Hines, his brothers Riley (Laura) Deen, Wesley Deen, Bill (Terrie) Deen, Skip (Patty) Hines, sisters Pam Campbell and Carrie Turner, numerous nieces and nephews, several aunts and uncles, countless cousins, and special friends Mary Ann Manna and Michael Brown.

He was predeceased by his father Bo Deen and stepdad Mervin Hines.

A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, January 7 at 11:00 am, in the chapel of Watson-Milton Funeral Home in Trenton. Family will receive friends before the service, beginning at 10:30. Family and friends will be eating afterwards in the fellowship hall of the old Trenton Methodist Church, now Living Faith Community Church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home (352) 463-8888 www.WatsonMilton.com