Don Deaton, Legendary Bay High Coach, Passes Away

A Lifetime of Service to Bay County

Don Deaton, a beloved Bay High School football coach, athletic director and educator, died Saturday night after a career that spanned 35 years in Bay County. His Facebook announcement from Bay High Athletics described him as a mentor who taught “character, discipline, perseverance” to countless student‑athletes. Deaton’s influence stretched far beyond the scoreboard, shaping generations of Tornadoes both on and off the field.

Before he became head coach, Deaton played a key role as an assistant on Bay High’s 1976 state championship team—the only football title ever won by a Bay County school. He succeeded the legendary John Cobb as the Tornadoes’ head coach, later steering the athletic department as it expanded its programs. His leadership helped cement one of the school’s most celebrated eras.

Beyond football, Deaton broke new ground by becoming Bay High’s first girls track and field coach, opening doors for female athletes at a time when interscholastic girls’ sports were just beginning. His commitment earned him induction into the Bay High Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021, recognizing a career built on respect, dedication and community impact.

Community Honors and Personal Tribute

Panama City Mayor Allan Branch weighed in on social media, calling Deaton “one of our community’s finest” and a true Bay County legend. Branch emphasized that the coach’s greatest achievement was mentoring young people and making the city better simply by showing up for others. The mayor also praised the Deaton family for carrying forward the tradition of service through coaching, mentoring and volunteer work.

In its tribute, Bay High Athletics reminded fans that “once a Tornado, always a Tornado,” promising thoughts and prayers for the Deaton family during this difficult time. The school’s message reinforced how deeply Deaton’s decades of work resonated with both athletes and the wider community.

Family Continues the Coaching Legacy

Deaton is survived by his wife, Carol Deaton, and two sons, Mark and David Deaton, who have followed in their father’s footsteps as leaders of Bay High’s wrestling program. Their involvement illustrates how the Deaton family’s dedication to athletics remains a living continuation of Don’s influence.

Their coaching roles at Bay High keep the family’s tradition alive, ensuring that the values Deaton imparted—hard work, integrity and teamwork—remain central to the school’s athletic culture for years to come.

Funeral Arrangements

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 18, at Kent‑Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Friends, former players and members of the Bay County community are invited to gather to honor a coach whose legacy cannot be measured solely by championships or awards.

The service marks the final chapter of a man who gave more than three decades of his life to shaping young lives, leaving an indelible mark on Bay High and Panama City that will endure long after his passing.