Don was born on October 17, 1950 in Elkin, NC. He grew up in Jacksonville, NC and graduated from Jacksonville Senior High School in 1968. He then attended East Carolina University prior to moving to Charlotte in 1973. Don worked for and retired from Duke Power Co. in 2015.
He married Mary “Leslie” Shumate in 1989.
Don is survived by his wife, Leslie; sisters, Cynthia Halsey of Shalimar, FL and Patricia Sheehan of O’Fallon, IL; 3 nephews, 5 great-nephews and 2 great-nieces. He also leaves behind his good friends, Randy and Glinda Myers, who have been the best neighbors ever…And one sweet kitty named Buddy.
He enjoyed working with plants and flowers. Don belonged to several clubs, including the Hosta Society, the Azalea Club of America and a Breakfast club. He also enjoyed watching cooking shows, collecting many recipe books and listening to the Rolling Stones. Don loved checking out many Barbeque restaurants in both Carolinas and beyond. His favorite places were City Barbeque and The Woodshed.
Don will be missed dearly by family and friends; he will live in our hearts forever.
