John Edward Deer Jr of Hardee County went to be with our Lord on Sunday January 15, 2023. He was 88 years old.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Essie Deer and leaves behind his wife Francene Clark, his children Susan Crawford (HL) grandchildren Amanda, Kara and Adam and wife Rachel; Debra Wyatt (Danny) grandchildren Madison and Savana and husband Alex Martinez; and Valerie Able (Gregg) grandchildren Tiffiny and husband Joey Delapp and Andrew and wife Brittany. Francene's children Tim Clark (Bonnie) grandchildren Jeff and Ryan and wife Christine; and Lynn Gamble (Tim) grandchildren Dylan, Connor and Tyler; and Kimberly Boudreau (Steven) grandchildren Daniel and Holly Weed, Brandon and Kyndall as well 9 great-grandchildren Lincoln, Kennedy, Garrett, Maisie, Lexi, Lillie, Owen, Aria and Paisley.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday January 21, 2023, at the Chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home at 205 North 9th Avenue Wauchula, with visitation from 12:30pm-1:30pm with the service following. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com.

Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Homes & Cremation Services have been entrusted with the arrangements.