In December 2025, Deke Owens saved the lives of three strangers—a 70-year-old mother of four received his heart, a father in his sixties received his lungs, and a young mother in her thirties received his liver. Through his tissue donations, including bone grafts, skin, and corneas, his generosity will continue to bring healing to countless others across the country for years to come.
“It is amazing that Deke’s organs were matched and shared with so many people,” said his wife, Corinne. “It just embodies him as a person; he was so giving, caring and loving, and always more concerned about the wellbeing of others before himself.”
Prior to becoming a donor hero, Deke, a loving husband of 32 years and a father of three, lived an extraordinary life. After graduating high school in Jacksonville, NC, Deke continued his education at East Carolina University. While there, Deke became a standout kicker on the football team, playing a key role in the Pirates’ 1992 Peach Bowl victory. His love of sports continued throughout his life as a coach, supporter, and proud parent, never once missing a game or school event.
“One year I went to UNC Chapel Hill for soccer camp, and I remember my dad called me to tell me he was coming to watch my game,” said Deke’s son, Slayton. “I was excited for him to watch me play, but then he said that I had to leave a day early for baseball practice. I was so bummed, but when we got into the car, he started videotaping me and smiling from ear-to-ear. That’s when he surprised me with tickets to a professional soccer game in New York City. We got to watch Lionel Messi that night, who has always been our favorite player. These moments reveal just how deeply my dad cared for our family, always ensuring we felt happy and enjoyed wonderful experiences together. I have never been so excited in my life, and I’ll remember that day forever.”
That same spirit of adventure and intentionality that Slayton experienced in moments like these was reflected throughout Deke’s life. Driven by a desire to serve others, Deke earned his Juris Doctor graduate degree and dedicated nearly three decades of his life to practicing law. When he wasn’t working, Deke golfed whenever possible, went skydiving and bungee jumping, and achieved the rare distinction of being an expedition climber, summiting Mount Everest Base Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro twice, Mount Elbrus in Russia, Mount Ararat in Turkey, and Mount Huayna Potosi in Bolivia. But above all, Deke treasured time spent with his family and friends.
“Deke loved everyone, his family and friends, and was the absolute best father to our children,” said Corinne. “His celebration of life was held at our country club, and over 700 people showed up to pay their respects and celebrate his life. He was an amazing person and left a legacy that’s defined by the person he was and the friendships that he formed.”
Deke’s oldest daughter, Rachel, says her father’s decision to help others through donation is a reflection of the way he lived every day of his life.
“He was one of the most selfless and kind people I have ever known,” she said. “He always put his family, friends, and even strangers, before himself. It never mattered who you were or where you came from—he treated everyone with kindness, respect, and loyalty. Losing him has been the hardest thing I have ever gone through but knowing that he was able to help so many people brings me comfort. I know that giving to others, even in the end, is exactly what he would have wanted.”
When Corinne was first approached by the team at HonorBridge, she described the experience as very informative, caring, and helpful.
“It was a comforting experience in an extremely devastating time,” said Corinne. “Everyone gave us the grace we needed and kept us well informed. The phone calls and emails through the process were extremely appreciated. Every detail about the process of what was happening was explained to us, including the time frame, which gave us comfort.”
Corinne shared that her entire family is registered as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and that donation has always held deep personal meaning for them.
“My father had leukemia, and I was his bone marrow donor before he sadly passed away when I was in college,” she said. “Because of that experience, there’s truly nothing our family wouldn’t do in terms of donation. Deke would be ecstatic about saving lives, I know he’s smiling knowing he was able to continue to do for others.”
Corinne and her children hope to reach out to his recipients as soon as possible so they can share the kind of extraordinary person he was and the lasting impact he had on everyone who knew and loved him.
“My dad was everything and more,” said their youngest daughter, Allyson. “He always found the positive in everyone, he was sensitive to subjects that most didn’t care about, and he wanted to make the world a better place. My dad being a donor has given me hope that his legacy lives on every day. His heart is still beating in this world, and someone can see life through his beautiful eyes. His impact is everywhere and it helps knowing he has made a difference in others’ lives.”
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