Don Baucom

Don Carson Baucom, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2022, in Charlotte, NC after a brief but intense battle with sarcoma cancer and myasthenia gravis. He was 82.

Don was born September 6, 1939, in Anson County, NC, as the youngest son of the late Daniel Spurgeon Baucom and the late Bessie Howard Baucom. He enlisted in the United States Army following graduation from Burnsville High School in Anson County.

In 1957, Don trained at Fort Benning, GA and was stationed at Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany. He returned to the States and moved to Charlotte, NC. From 1959-1969, Don was employed by H.K. Porter Co. working in asbestos textiles. In 1970, he joined Armature Winding Company, becoming Vice President and General Manager of operations, and continued working there until the time of his death. Don's knowledge and experience with GE electrical apparatus, as well as his quiet determination to serve his customers well, brought him loyal customers as well as many lifelong friends.

Don married his childhood sweetheart, Daphne Joye Sikes, on June 2, 1962, and continued his education from 1961-1971 at Kings Business College, Central Piedmont Community College, and ultimately graduated from UNCC. Don got his NC Real Estate license early on to help support Joye in her real estate career.

Don and Joye joined First United Methodist Church in 1962 prior to their marriage and were faithful members for many years. Don served on several committees and boards at the church. Because of his handyman expertise, he spent many evenings and weekends doing repairs and maintenance projects at the church and parsonage. He also assisted with many of the play production sets.

He was a member of the Charlotte Central Lions Club serving District 31-C. Don served as Secretary and Treasurer in 1978. For the club he chaired committees, served on their board of directors, and ultimately became president in 1980. He also served the community as a scoutmaster of Troop 261, Indian Princess Guide, and the baseball committee for the Babe Ruth League.

Don's favorite sport was undeniably golf, and he would spend most Saturdays on the course with his friends. He joined Cedarwood Golf Club as an inaugural member in 1979 but played there for many years before it became private. Don spent most of his free time caring for family, playing golf, cooking, doing yard work and assisting just about anyone in need. He was an incredibly gifted and self-trained craftsman in many areas woodworking, electrical, etc.

In 1989, Don underwent open heart surgery and was told he would have maybe five years to live. He committed to Novant's Heart Rehabilitation three days a week and was their star participant - being the last of the original members and forming many lifetime friends. We are most appreciative of the love and care provided by Novant's Doctors Pasquini, Garner, Ogbata, and Murphy, together with many other caring staff. After two hospital stays (19 days total), they felt like family.

Don's only son, Don Carson Baucom II, preceded him in death in 2009. In addition to his parents, Don was also preceded in death by his brothers, Alfred, Bill, Shelly, and Coy Baucom and sisters, Ruth Smith, Brenda Stevenson, and Julia Bowers. Three additional siblings died from different illnesses at a very young age.

Surviving is his wife of 60 years, Joye Sikes Baucom, daughter, Monica Joye Wilson (Eric), granddaughter, Hannah Joye Kessler (Cory), grandson, Josiah "Andrew" Wilson, and great granddaughter Eliana Joye Kessler (all of Charlotte, NC). Cary Baucom (Pat) is his only surviving sibling along with nieces and nephews and their families, and brothers-in-law Ralph Farrell Sikes (Melissa) (Ocean Island Beach, NC) and Ricky Jay Sikes (Peachland, NC).

Don lived a very full life as a man of honor, dignity, and integrity. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted by Dr. Val Rosenquist and assisted by a forever friend, Reverend Bill Robinson, on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 3 pm at First United Methodist Church (501 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC. "(The entrance to the church garage is 163 W. Ninth St. Please park in any church or unreserved space. Take the Sanctuary elevator to Level "S".)

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 501 North Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202.