ABOUT DIONDREDRE'S
LEGACY

Diondre Marquez “Dre” Overton was born on April 19, 1998, in Greenville, North Carolina, to two loving and devoted parents. As the youngest of four children to his mother and later the oldest of five to his father, Dre grew up surrounded by a strong village of family and friends who nurtured his spirit and instilled in him the values of humility, respect, and care for others. Even as a baby, Dre was easygoing and even-tempered—qualities that would follow him throughout his life.

From an early age, Dre demonstrated both intelligence and athletic ability. At just eight years old, he began playing Pop Warner football and recreational basketball, quickly discovering a deep love for basketball. He was a dedicated student who consistently earned A’s and B’s, followed rules at home, school, and in the community, and lived with a quiet respectfulness that made him dependable and admired by all who knew him. If corrected, he never talked back—his gentle responses of “Alright,” “Yes, sir,” or “Yes, ma’am” reflected his character.

At 13, Dre declared that he wanted to play professional basketball and dreamed of becoming someone widely known and celebrated. By high school, he had become a two-sport athlete, excelling on both the basketball court and football field while maintaining strong academics. What Dre didn’t realize was that his humility, devotion to family and friends, caring spirit, encouraging nature, radiant smile, athletic talent, and gift for making everyone feel valued were already laying the foundation for the legacy he would leave behind.

Dre was admired not just for his athletic accomplishments but also for the way he carried himself. Friends fondly recall how he was always the most thoughtful house guest, often rising early to cook his “famous pancakes” for their families while his friends slept. He valued punctuality, despised being late, and took pride in being prepared for games, school, and every commitment.

Through sports, Dre competed at the highest levels and celebrated championships, but more importantly, he built lifelong friendships, inspired teammates, and touched countless lives. He treated everyone with kindness—whether homeless or wealthy, young or old—never seeing himself as better than anyone else. His friends describe him as “the glue” that held them together. His family remembers his optimism, always seeing the glass half full. Coaches recall how he lifted up teammates, celebrated others’ successes, and shared in victories with genuine joy.

Above all, Dre leaned on his faith and family to guide him through challenges as both an athlete and a young man. His life was a shining example of perseverance, humility, and love—a legacy that continues to inspire all who knew him.