Dean Adcock

Born October 21, 1984 to Larry and Tony Adcock, Dean lived a life marked by pure joy, love, and happiness. He was born with Down syndrome, but he transcended any sort of limitation placed on his life. He loved to sing, dance, and could light up any room he stepped into. Everyone who met Dean instantly loved him, and he loved them even more in return. He is survived by his parents, his brother Jonathan, sister-in-law Bekah, and many family members whom he loved dearly.

Dean graduated East Mecklenburg High School in 2006, where he met many of his best friends and had some of his fondest memories. Dean loved every genre of music, from oldies to Usher, and loved dancing onstage in front of his friends at events like Night to Shine and the Joy Prom.

Dean excelled in Special Olympics competitions his entire life, including basketball, softball, bowling, and Camp SOAR. He also loved the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and University of South Carolina Gamecocks. He participated in Challenger Flag Football, and even after aging out of the program, returned each season to volunteer as a coach. In 2018, Dean was selected by the Carolina Panthers and Greg Olsen to attend Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dean always surprised people with his ability to dance, his knowledge of sports, and his unmatched social skills.

Dean will forever be remembered by everyone he knew for his infectious joy. His passion for life and the unconditional love he showed for the people closest to him taught all of us how to appreciate all that life has to offer, regardless of any challenges we may face.

The Adcock family would like to invite anyone who would like to attend his Memorial Celebration on Saturday, September 1, at Elevation Church Blakeney (8835 Blakeney Professional Dr., Charlotte, NC 28277). Visitation is from 10AM-12PM, with the service itself starting at 12PM. Attire is casual, so come as you are, even in your favorite Panthers’ gear, in Dean’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation In Memory of Dean Adcock to Greg Olsen’s “The HEARTest Yard” program at http://donate.receptionsforresearch.org.