TOP PHOTO: Top row, left to right – Leon Deane, III, Leon Deane and Martha Deane. Ewan is (front left) joined by his other brother, Aaron Deane.
JELLICO, TN (WLAF) – Leon “Ralf” Deane, who was receiving hospice care after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, passed away Wednesday morning. His dying wish was to see his son, Ewan, a junior student-athlete, receive his high school diploma. In late August, the staff at Jellico High School, knowing that Leon’s time was limited, made his wish come true.
WLAF’s Clayton Carroll shares the moving story of Deane’s final wish. HERE is another related story from August.

Ewan and his dad Leon, who also played football for the Blue Devils, are together after the August 25th football game, a tough 14-13 overtime loss to Oakdale.
Leon “Ralf” Edward Deane, Jr.
April 26, 1973 ~ October 31, 2023 (age 50)
Mr. Leon “Ralf” Edward Deane, Jr.
Age 50 went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 26, 1973, in Tampa, Florida.
Ralf was preceded in death by:
Grandson: Carson Sammuel Deane
Dad: Bill Lay
Sister: Carla Rena Lawson-Knight
He is survived by:
Wife: Martha (Kennedy) Deane
Sons: Leon Edward Deane, III. (Machalla Perkins), Arron Clayton Deane, Ewan Ayden Deane
Grandchildren: Leon Edward Deane, IV., Conner Wayne Deane, Avery Faith Deane, Ada Marie Deane
Mother: Una Louise (Blankenship) Greene & husband Paul
Stepmom: Libby Lay
Brothers: Shawn Deane, Randy Shane Lawson
Sisters: Deanna Ivey & husband Joie, Billie Sue Lay, LaDonna Brewster, Janet Turner, Lorie Lee Lawson, Deborah Lynn Lawson
Survivors list incomplete
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of arrangements. “Your Family Funeral Home” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/31/2023-4PM)