Duane Allen Deese

Duane Allen Deese, age 65, of Evans, Georgia, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS. Duane is survived by his loving wife, Patti Deese; son, Cale Deese; stepson, Caleb Arbor and siblings, Donna Hurlbert, Kent Drake-Deese, and Dawn Sheppard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Jean Deese.

Duane was a proud graduate of Hermon-Dekalb Central School in New York, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. In high school, he won several state and national public speaking contests. He was a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps where he won numerous awards for dedicated service. Duane was a lifelong car racing enthusiast. Duane was deeply involved in the racing world, having served as part-owner and General Manager for a NASCAR Busch Series Team in the 1990s. At the time of his passing, he was leading a successful SCDRA racing team with his son, Cale, behind the wheel.

Duane had a love for country music and sports, and above all, he cherished his family, especially his wife, Patti, his son, Cale, and his stepson, Caleb. Patti would like to thank his two dedicated nurses, Ytoshia Gilchrist, RN, and Jayy Willingham, RN, who provided kind, compassionate care and who will always be considered family.

The family would also like to thank our incredible families of caregivers at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center SCI Unit, Downtown location, especially Dr. Dianna Neal and Care Coordinator Tonya Hall, RN. In addition, we want to thank the Wellstar MCG Health ALS Clinic team, especially Dr. Michael Rivner, Dr. Benjamin Barnes, and Care Coordinator, Staci McNeil, RN.

Memorial service will be Friday, December 13, 2024 from 6pm-8pm at Elliott Sons, 4255 Columbia Road, Martinez, GA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Duane's memory may be made to ALS, [email protected].

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.