Jeffrey Linwood Dease

Jeffrey Linwood Dease, 59, entered eternal rest on January 2, 2026. He was born January 30, 1966, to the late Jackie Linwood Dease and Carole Tucker Dease. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul Stanley (Gladys) and Julian Dease (Ida).

A proud graduate of FCHS Class of 1984, he spent much of his career behind the wheel of big rigs, visiting all 48 contiguous states and developing a lifelong passion for big trucks. In the late 1980s, Jeffrey worked as a NASCAR official and served as a driver for Bill Davis Racing's #22 NASCAR team. An avid enthusiast of car shows, he meticulously maintained his all-original 1972 Ford F100, which earned numerous awards and reflected his deep appreciation for classic trucks and automotive craftsmanship. He enjoyed a lifetime of memories and good times, but the title he cherished most was Grandpa.

Jeffrey is survived by his wife of 20 years, Loretta Hall Dease; stepchildren, Paige Gilbert (Payton), and Beth Arseneault (Dustin); grandchildren, Bethany Gilbert, Levi Gilbert, Maggie Gilbert, and Ayden Arseneault; and aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and close friends.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Services Martinsville Chapel. The funeral will be Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Martinsville Chapel. Pastor Payton Gilbert will be officiating the service. Burial will follow the funeral service at Oakwood Cemetery, 107 Cemetery Street. Martinsville, VA 24112.

The pallbearers for the service will be Eddie Finley, Dean Clark, Steven Jarrell, Levi Gilbert, Chris Joyce, and Dustin Arseneult.

Memorials can be made to Shriner’s Children’s, Attn: Shriner’s Children’s, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.

Norris Funeral Services Martinsville Chapel is handling Dease family arrangements.