Donald Nelson Sigmon

Don was born in Murphy, North Carolina to Allie Mae Mills and David Edward Sigmon, Sr. He attended NC State University on a football scholarship, followed by attending Lees McRae College, and then graduated from Campbell College in 1970 with a degree in Biology and Physical Education. During this time Don also served in the Army Reserves.

In 1971, Don started a successful profession in the automobile industry. It was a lifelong career with the last 20-plus years serving as general manager for Leith BMW in Raleigh, NC. On April 14, 1973, he married his sweetheart Barbara Ann Bishop. A few years later Barbara and Don welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Mandy, into their lives, which made Don happier than anything in the world. After many years in the car business, Don retired at the age of 67 in January 2017.

Over the years Don and Barbara took many wonderful trips abroad and across the United States. His favorite place to be was in the North Carolina mountains with his family. The best days in the mountains (and here in Raleigh, too!) started with an early morning, good old-fashioned breakfast that included fresh biscuits. Don loved spending hours working in the yard growing flowers and keeping their yard beautiful, a trait that was passed down from his dad, Dave. Barbara and Mandy were always his first priority but he also loved helping people and giving back to his community. When his grandson Joyner came along Don was overjoyed. Joyner was the “apple of his eye” and Don loved doing any activity with him, or attending the activities that Joyner was a part of.

Don is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Mandy Sigmon Edwards (Jason); grandson, Joyner Edwards; brothers, Ed Sigmon (Imogene) of Raleigh, NC, Ken Sigmon (Beth) of Greenville, NC; nephews, Will Sigmon (Cassie) of Raleigh, NC, and Cam Sigmon (fianceé Bethany) of Greenville, NC. Don is also survived by his brother-in-laws, Bob Bishop (Anne) of Durham, NC, and Larry Loy of Raleigh, NC; nephews, Zack Bishop (Kim) and Matthew Bishop (Holly) of Raleigh, NC; and niece, Stephanie Loy of Raleigh NC.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Allie, and Father, Dave.

A Celebration of Don's Life was held on Friday, April 19, at 2:00pm, in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home. Officiating was Rev. Matt Miglarese. Burial followed in Raleigh Memorial Park.

A special thank you to Don’s doctor and friend of 54 years, Dr. Jim Parsons and to Transitions LifeCare for making his last hours here with us so peaceful.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation by using the link below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Don, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.