Deane served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966 and was commissioned a lieutenant.
Deane practiced law in Rockingham, North Carolina.
He served on the Richmond County School Board for sixteen years.
In 1970, Deane served in the North Carolina Senate and was a Democrat..
He died at his home in Rockingham, North Carolina on February 6, 2022, at the age of 84.