This Eldorado, Texas, native bought his first registered Angus in 1954. For 18 years he served on the board of directors of the Texas Angus Association, and in 1978, he received the first and only Honorary Life Membership for Meritorious Service to the Texas Angus Association. He worked with feeder calf sales in San Angelo for l7 years. Deal also served as superintendent of the junior Angus show in San Angelo.