Donnie Ray Holbrook, age 61, passed away on Wednesday the 4th of July, 2018 and in typical Donnie style…went out with a bang. Born on October 3rd, 1956 in Newton, NC to Vivian (York) and David Lee Holbrook, he was a 1975 graduate of Bandy’s High School. At an early age, Donnie became active in his community, learning to help others. In 1971, he earned both his Eagle Scout and God and Country Award from Troop #228 at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ. He was also the first Drum Major for the Bandy’s Trojan Marching Band. Donnie’s 40+ year career in the food industry included working for MDI in Hickory, Rogers American Company in Charlotte, Tri-State Trading, and his own company, Accelerated Sales and Marketing. Donnie was a charter member and instrumental in the organization and creation of The Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Council of NC. He served as President of the Frozen Food Council and Guest Cottages Homeowners Association. He was a member of the Hickory Harley Owners Group, First United Methodist Church in Newton, the Newton-Conover Educational Foundation and a volunteer fireman for Newton for many years. Donnie lived life to the fullest, enjoying the outdoors, chatting with friends and working with his hands. He could design, build and fix anything. He enjoyed spending time at their home in Myrtle Beach, boating on Lake Norman, skiing, flying, attending football games at the University of Tennessee and traveling around the world. Adored by his grandchildren, Donnie was involved with everything they did and never missed a chance to watch them shine. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan (Reinhardt) Holbrook; daughters Amanda (Brandon) Moose of Newton and Rebekah (Michael) Laney of Raleigh; grandchildren Zachary Moose, Hannah Grace Moose, Charlotte Laney and Gibson Laney; a sister, Alisa (Gary) Hicks of Newton and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Katherine and Susan. The family will receive friends on Sunday July 15th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Willis Reynolds Funeral Home in Newton. A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, July 16th at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church 300 N. Main Avenue Newton, NC, with Rev. Lara “Willis” Greene, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Family House (1970 Baldwin Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or https://www.familyhousews.org) to assist other families who are experiencing extended hospital stays.
