Laurie Joe Deal wa born on July 3, 1924 in Hickory, North Carolina. Laurie married Rosa Allen on April 26, 1958 and they had three children: David, Stephen, and James.

Deal obtained a bachelor of science degree in science and math from Lenoir Rhyne College.

Deal is associated with the Nevada Test Site as Director of the Civil Effects Group for the Application Englineering Company (AEC) and as a BioMed member of the Nevada Test Site planning board.