Posted: Friday, January 31, 2014 6:13 pm

DEACON, Felix Elbert III "Bert," of Richmond, Va., died January 27, 2014, after a long illness of diabetes. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Margaret Barrett Deacon; children, Rebecca Gilchrist Deacon and Barrett William Deacon; sister, Patricia Deacon Gentry (Rodney); mother-in-law, Mrs. John Gilchrist Barrett; sister-in-law, Rebecca Barrett Nutt (Dave); nieces and nephews, Paige (Rusty), Andy, Anne (Matt), John; and his dog, Max. He was predeceased by his parents, Felix E. Deacon Jr. and Patsy Rudisill Deacon. Bert was born August 15, 1955 in Spartanburg, S.C. and grew up in Richmond. He graduated from VMI in 1977 with Dean's List Honors and was elected Vice President of his class. He was a member of Kappa Alpha-Beta Commission. He served as President of the VMI Alumni Association and on its Board of Directors in Lexington from 1998 to 2000. He completed banking schools at UVA's Colgate Darden School, the McIntyre School of Commerce, and the ABA's National Trust School and began a 32-year career in banking and finance. He was a founder and former Director, President, and CEO of the Tredegar Trust Company formed in 1993. It was the first independent trust company to open its doors in Virginia. The company was sold to Independent Community Bankshares, Inc. of Middleburg. At the time of his death, he was one of three Managing Directors, leading a start up alternative energy company, which was expected to begin operation in 2014. Bert served as a commissioned infantry officer in the U.S. Army Reserves for 25 years. He was a graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College and twice received the Army's Meritorious Service Medal. He served on numerous boards in the Richmond community, including St. Catherine's Foundation, The Country Club of Virginia, and the Arthritis Foundation. He was a member of The Commonwealth Club, The Country Club of Virginia, The Pilgrims, Sea Island Co. and First Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, January 31, at First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VMI Foundation, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, Va. 24450, or to First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Rd., Richmond, Va. 23226.