Clint James Deering passed away on the evening of July 7, 2021, at home, surrounded by his parents, siblings, and trusty guard dog. He led a full life, completely on his own terms from start to finish. He was born on July 19, 2002, to Jay Deering and Diane Farabaugh Deering in Savannah, Georgia. In his early years, the doctors warned his family that because of his genetic condition he would most likely lead a limited life—sickly and in out of the hospital. Never one to listen to nay-sayers (or anyone for that matter, he was deaf, after all), he confounded his family and teachers with his strength and independence—scaling the tops of cabinets in search of snacks and climbing to the tops of jungle gyms to hang upside down.
Like all Deerings he was infected with a love for the outdoors and things that go. He was happiest when out on an adventure, whether it was puttering around the rivers of Savannah in a little boat or zooming through the mountains of Colorado on the back of a motorcycle.
Clint never spoke a word, but he had a special gift for forming connections with others. He had a mischievous sense of humor and a laugh that made everyone around him crack up. He loved dancing, and parties, and being cuddled. But most of all he loved to be included; cooking dinner, working in the yard, helping with the latest mechanical project, whatever was going on, he wanted to be involved.
Because of his special needs, life could often be challenging for Clint, but he was the beneficiary of an incredible support network. The kindness of the community and his incredible charm meant that he had a gang of friends, family, neighbors, and teachers at the ready to make the burden a little lighter for him and his family. To anyone who has been a part of this group: y’all gave him joy when things were good and comfort when things were difficult. We cannot thank you enough.
Clint is survived by his parents Jay and Diane and his siblings Lindsey, Luke, and Amelia Deering, and his dog Ringo. A visitation with the family will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Wilmington Island at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 10, 2021, with a memorial service to follow.
If you would like to honor Clint’s memory you may make a donation to Chatham-Savannah Citizen’s Advocacy (https://www.savannahcitizenadvocacy.org/) , whose mission is to ensure that those with disabilities are able to live meaningful lives. Or you may honor him by living your life like he did—completely on your own terms.
Offer Condolence for the family of Clint James Deering
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Sharon Swint
I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the entire Deering family. I pray that your memories of Clint will bring you peace. May God keep you during this most trying time. My prayers are with you all.
Tamela Wright
May our Lord bless and comfort the Deering family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Lisa Lansford
Jay, Diane, Lindsey, Luke, Amelia (and Ringo), may your wonderful memories of Clint be your comfort. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
Pam Hussey
Diane and Jay and family, I loved reading about Clint and what an awesome individual he was. You were all so blessed by him and he with you. As a parent of a child with special abilities, it’s amazing how much they teach us on their journeys through life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane Deering
Pam,
Thanks for the condolences, your friendship and support, and for the delicious cakes.
Diane
Dr. Kim Thomas
Jay, Diane and family,
My sincerest condolences to you all! I have so many fond memories of Clint while he was in my class! He loved and was loved by so many! Please know that you ALL are in my prayers!
Love,
Dr. Kim Thomas
❤️❤️❤️
Homer & Jackie McBrayer
Please accept our condolences. You are in our prayers. Our hearts ache for all of you, but, be of joy because God has called Clint to his final destination. He
needed a “Special Angel”. R.I.P. CLINT.
Miss Judy, Judy, “J”
Clint or “Clintstet” as I called him, indeed was God’s ‘SPECIAL Angel, sent by GOD, probably at Clint’s Grandma Lucy’s prodding. I never met Lucy in person, but I feel I know her as I have listened to the Farabaugh, Schwarz. Deering, ???, Gilmore and even Llewellyn families, almost always laughingly share memories if her. For 21 years, I have often had conversations(mostly one-sided) with Lucy trying to ‘fit’ in and understand her family. I think she asked God to give Clint to this family to lighten my load. He loved me unconditionally with the same ‘devilish’ trait I appear to have. Honestly, I think he loved me because at a very early age, he associated food and “kids beer, lots of room to explore(closets with no locks provided hangers), and a very funny Grandpa who loved and loves him so much at our home. I walk through our home, go upstairs and outside hearing his laughter.
Bernard Cabahug
The Deering family. I pray for peace and comfort for the whole family at this difficult time and my condolences to you all. Clint’s gentle soul will always be in my heart.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace🙏🙏🙏.
Brad Speer
What a lovely, moving, and accurate tribute to Clint. Your devotion to him, your advocacy, and your love were always in evidence. I wish you all peace and solace in the fact that you, his family, made his life rich and full. Blessings to Clint and to your family.
Pamela Tucker
I loved him and his spirit. May God bless you.
Barbara Rupnik
To the sweet Deering family,
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all. Clint was one of the first students I had in Savannah. His smile and giggles have a lasting mark on my heart. Prayers and love to you all and all that were a part of his life.
Barbara Rupnik (Kartman)
Tara Bilyeu
What a loving and beautiful tribute of Clint. We are lifting the family and friends in many prayers during this difficult loss. Though words or actions we do can not take the pain away, I pray the the Lord wraps is comforting hands around each of you.
For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. – 1 Samuel 1:27-28
Tracie Leonard
Jay and Diane,
Of course, my heart breaks for you and your family. Thanks to you, Clint was blessed to have parents that didn’t put boundaries on what he could do, which in turn, allowed him him to live his life to the fullest, obviously blessing you, his siblings, teachers and friends. I am praying that you experience peace, joy and love as you celebrate his life. Hugs and prayers, Tracie
Mike Collins
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family
Julie Heyel
I have always been amazed at how patient and loving your family is. I am praying for your family during this difficult time.
Dennis Powell
I have many fine memories of Clint and more importantly the love and interaction within the family
I first saw this when I witnessed Clint and Lindsey having fun and really WITH him when Jay brought them to a motorcycle camp. It was a real awakening that he was in no way a burden but a joy for them to help and pitch in as a family should. It was just so normal.
My second time with Clint was on a street bike trip out west
Following Jay with Clint flapping his “wings” was such a joyful sight and made me smile for hours on end
This experience will be burned in my memory forever
Thank you Clint for that wonderful time spent with you!
Dennis Powell
Sorry
I meant Lindsey and LUKE
(Sorry Luke, I know who you are lol)
Roger and Bonnie Brousseau
To the Deering family,
Sending our deepest sympathy for the loss of Clint. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We can feel the love that was given and received in the words you say.
Caren Agata
I’m so sorry to hear of Clint’s passing. I cared for he and Amelia from an early age, while Diane was working part time. Love this family and my heartfelt wishes go out to you
Randy Dobson
I simply cannot put into words the grief I have for your family. If no one knows who I am, ask Don and Judy. Because of the love I have for them, I weep for your loss, and I stand in prayer for your family. May the peace and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you all right now. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Judy Carter Farabaugh
Randy, thank you for knowing Clint through Don and me sharing our memories of him. You, your Mama Linda and especially your Daddy Jerry, have prayed for Clint daily. God answers prayers. Love your family for loving us.
Lisa and Jack Manley
Jay, Diane, Lindsey, Luke, Amelia,
So sorry to hear of Clint’s passing. He has had many amazing adventures with you all. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Marie Valentino Darling
Clint lit up the room with his beautiful smile! He has gained his Angel wings and will be lighting up Heaven with he infectious smile and laugh! I am so sorry he has left this earthly world. Please know I am keeping you all in my prayers!
Jenny Meade
On behalf of all your Chicago cousins, Jay and Diane, we are so sorry for the loss of your courageous, charismatic Clint. Your family is truly an inspiration to us all. I wish we could be there but my mother-in-law passed away on Monday and her services are this weekend as well. God bless you and God bless Clint.
Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt
If we were as lucky as Clint to live life on our own terms ♥️ His life on this earth is a true blessing and I thank you all for sharing Clint with us. May God continue to lift you all up in His infinite love and peace.
Mary Beth Hannan
What a beautiful tribute to Clint- and the entire Deering family. Your love for one another was always evident. Wishing you peace.
Lynn and Duncan Regan
We are so sorry for your loss.
Susan Montanari
Jay and Diane,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I never met Clint I followed his story on Facebook and admired your love and devotion to him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
James, Vicky & Harmony Phillips
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Deering family during this time. We offer our thoughts and prayers. May God give you the peace you seek.
Traci Redman
I’m so very sorry for your loss, I feel very lucky to have met clint and gave him cookies at publix bakery for years. Your family is so special. Keeping you in my prayers. Traci Redman.
Bern And Lisa Hensler
My sincere condolences on the loss of Clint. With all your family adventures, Clint was right there with you. Rest In Peace Clint.
Ali Badiee
Diane,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time. My prayers and blessings are with you.
Dave Hardwick
Although we didn’t know Clint for long he made a lasting impression on us and your love and care for him even more so
Thinking of you all at this time
Rember all the good times he gave you
Dave & Claire
Annie Simons
Clint was truly blessed to have true love from his family. I’m so sorry for your loss but you can take comfort knowing that he is with God. You are all in my prayers.
Brad Smith
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Clint. You are all in my prayers and may God give you peace.
Ray Willingham
Our hearts go out to all the Deering family. We have the upmost respect and admiration for the way you Jay and Diane have raised not only Clint but all you children. I base that on knowing y’all more than 25 years. God Bless all of you.
Ray&Janet Willingham
Gail Gordon
Jay and Diane, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. I loved seeing Clint when he went to Hesse that year. He would come over and grab my hand to take me to the lunch line to see if I would get him some more food off the lunch line. Even though, he already had his lunch. Those memories I will treasure. Sending my love and hugs for all of you.
Mike Moss
Jay, Diane, Lindsey, Luke, and Amelia, we are so sad for your loss. Your love of your son and your brother was one of the most inspiring examples of love we have ever seen. We pray for you all now and send our love to your family.
Mike & Denise Moss
Dr. John D. Rowlett
My sincerest condolences on Clint’s passing
Dr. Rowlett (St. Joseph’s/Candler)
Lisa Linton
Jay,Diane and family, we were so sorry to hear about Clint, our prayers are with you! Your strong family ties and adventures has been a great inspiration for us. Chuck and Lisa Linton
María de la Guardia
May Clint’s light and spirit shine in your hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. With love.
Steph
Sending our Smphathy to you and your family🙏
Upstate NY Family~
John & Connie Hinely
Jay, Diane, Lindsey, Luke and Amelia,
We are so sorry for your loss. Clint always had a way of lighting up a room. Your family is a true testament of unconditional love and dedication. We will continue to pray for all of you.
John & Connie Hinely
Julie Hardeman
Clint brought joy to all. My favorite memory of him will always be of him walking around the neighborhood with his dog(and family). He loved that white plastic hanger! His journey has been an inspiration to me. The Deering family is in my prayers.
Leah Colby Miller
Sweet Deering family…My heart aches for you at the loss of Clint. What a kid and HOW large he lived! I can imagine it now, Clint on a solo motorcycle ride around Heaven. Sport bike, of course!
May you all find comfort in sweet memories and have peace in your hearts.
April (Gilmore) Garner
Diane and family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Clint. I can tell by reading the comments here that he was a joy to everyone who knew him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Missy Sackariasen
Jay, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers
Frank & Amanda Norden
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers
Carolyn Shay
Diane,Jay & family. I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss of Clint. Your tribute to his life shows he enjoyed his time here. May God send comfort to you in the days ahead. Sending love to all of you ❤️ Your Dental family (previously Dr Allen). Carolyn
Travis E. West
My Heart and Prayers are with You and Diane, Jay. Clint’s Life was the perfect example of Not allowing anything or anyone take your Joy. That’s a
very rare and special intangible for anyone to be Blessed with. And Clint Had it from the Day he was Born. And I guarantee You can still feel His Smile shining down from Heaven. So make sure Clint can feel Your Smile back. I’m here for You and The Deering Family. Anything You need, Anything at all. I’m Here for you Brother. I’m here for You.
Karen Bolfik
Our sincere condolences to your entire family on the loss of Clint. What a beautiful family, with so much love. You showed him how to live life, and what a beautiful life he had. I know he’s looking down with a smile, and a big thank you!
Elizabeth Colson
Michael Caldwell and I offer our condolences. Our prayers will be with Clint and your family. I still see that little boy in mass.
Michele Marston
To the whole Deering Family,
I do not know your amazing family and son Clint, but I wanted to send you my condolences. As a parent myself, I can’t imagine your sense of loss right now, but I can tell from the memorial of Clint that you are all so blessed. May peace and love be abundant for all of you.
Sincerely,
Michele
Rae Ann Upton
To the entire Deering family,
My ❤️ has been touched and goes out to all of you. All of your 💕 supported Clint with his ability to live life so well on “his terms”! Yes, he had an infectious zest for life. He’s affected many as you all do with your ever pleasant ways. My thoughts and prayers continue for all of you.
Peace and love to you all,
Rae Ann & family
Judy Salzman
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Clint was a special soul. I hope time brings peace to your hearts.
Katie Higgins
My heart goes out to you, Clint’s family. The very brief time I spent with Clint was spent clearing and hauling brush from the front of the UGA Aquarium. I was ever so impressed with his willingness to spend time and volunteer out of doors to improve our little corner of the world. I am grateful and better for knowing him and the family that loved him so well.