WILMINGTON — Chadwick Michael “Deuce” Slater, Jr. ran into heaven on January 6, 2022, his 17th birthday. He is preceded in death by his mother, Janine Lockwood Slater and his very best friend, Cam Powell.
Deuce was born on January 6, 2005, at 24 weeks gestation to Chad and Janine Slater. He weighed 1 lb., 6 oz. From the minute he was born, Deuce was a fighter. He endured countless surgeries, procedures and hospital stays and fought through everyone. Deuce defied all odds. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Deuce will tell you that Deuce didn’t give up the fight, his body gave out.
While Deuce never spoke a word, he reverberated love and light in a way you only know exists through God. Every person who met Deuce was captivated by him and he stole their heart. Deuce loved to laugh. His laugh was infectious. Deuce knew every person he met, and you knew that he knew who you were by the way he responded to you. Although he couldn’t speak, you knew exactly where you stood with him.
Deuce was quite the traveler. He traveled extensively with his Gigi and his cousins, Beau and Chap. Disney World and St. Maarten were two of his favorite destinations although a Sleepover at the Smithsonian was one of the highlights of Deuce’s travels. Deuce loved the water and would float for hours. Deuce also adored waterslides and would be the first in line. He had absolutely no fear.
Deuce’s mom and dad worked tirelessly to ensure that Deuce had the best care possible. Deuce had an excellent team of doctors, nurses, and therapists but the true heroes were Deuce’s nurses – Bwana and Harry – and his physical therapist, Chip. Bwana, Harry, and Chip loved Deuce like their own. They will always be extended family.
Deuce left behind a host of people who loved him better than a cat loves cream:
His dad, Chadwick Michael Slater, Sr.;
His partner in crime and fashion chairman, his Gigi, Marta Jo Slater;
His Pops and Grandma, Mike and Susie Slater;
His PopPop and Nana, Frank and Sue Lockwood;
His Aunt Bissa (Alissa) and Uncle Greg Kloepfer and cousins, Collin and Derek;
His Aunt KK (Caroline) and Uncle Scotty Burnette and cousins, Beau and Chapman-Scott;
His nurse Dominic “Bwana” Mwaura and his wife, Mercy and daughter, Janaiah;
His nurse, Harry Vatavuk;
His physical therapist, Chip Chapin;
His beloved dog and snugglebug, Ace;
His honorary grandparents, Jimmy and Teresa Martin;
His “big brother”, Jordan Phillips;
His best friend, Cam’s, Memaw, Sarah Gamble.
His host of friends and family around the world from St. Maarten to West Virginia to North Carolina.
Deuce’s St. Maarten friend, Hyroline, summed up Deuce’s life perfectly, “Deuce served his purpose here on earth and it was greater than most men who lived decades.” May we all live and love like Deuce.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 2 pm at the Andrews Market St. Chapel, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, NC. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Shriner’s Hospital in memory of Deuce.
