DONALD C. PERCISE SR.
Aug. 7, 1932-April 25, 2011
Don's life began Aug. 7, 1932, in Wayne County -- a place he loved -- and he went to live joyously in Heaven Monday, April 25, 2011.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Drew Clark officiating.
Don graduated from Goldsboro High School (where he later taught), attended Campbell College for two years, and graduated from Guilford College. He played sports beginning with the football "Midgets," and played three sports through high school and college.
He and twin brother, Ronald, played with the semi-pro Smithfield Leafs, and Don was named All American Catcher at the National tournament in 1954.
Don and Ronald spent two years in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Germany, where they played baseball and football.
Don worked at Crawford-Norwood Realty for 44 years as Realtor, appraiser and vice president of the company. He was never happier than when he was helping someone buy or sell a property. He was Realtor of the Year in 1976. Also, he was president, vice-president and secretary of the Board of Realtors, and an officer of the Multiple Listing Services.
He worked for the United Way, served on the board of the Boys Club, served as president of the Goldsboro Kiwanis Club in 1980-81 and was a member for many years. He is remembered for running the Kiwanis train and concession stand at Herman Park, and participating as a "floor man" for the annual Kiwanis charity auction.
Don managed softball teams for Crawford-Norwood and the church league. He officiated at local high school basketball games, and for many years he was sports trainer for Goldsboro High School, then Eastern Wayne High School.
At Madison Avenue Baptist Church, Don served as deacon, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and choir member and sang with The Men of Madison. For several years he taught Sunday school at a fire station on Sunday mornings.
At St. Paul United Methodist Church, Don enjoyed singing in the choir under Roger Searles' direction. He sat in the back row against the wall since he sometimes had vertigo.
At home, he started each Sunday by putting a record of "The Messiah" on to listen to while getting ready for Sunday school and church.
At First Presbyterian, Don served as deacon and choir member. He also enjoyed working in the kitchen cooking for Presbyterian men, women's Christmas dinner and on the cleanup crew for Logos. For several years he and Madelyn hosted the breakfast after the Easter sunrise service.
Don was known for his sense of humor and good nature. He loved to tell jokes and, if he had a good audience, could go on for a while. When Hal Plonk was mayor of Goldsboro, if he was called on to make a speech, he would usually call Don and ask him to give him a joke. He was always wanting to help people in any way he could, and many times this was done anonymously. He was a good man and a Godly man and enjoyed life to the fullest.
He had many friends among the staff and residents while at the Sterling House for 21/2 years, and at Woodard Care Inc. for five months.
There is no way the family could adequately express its appreciation for the loving care he received.
He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Madelyn Moore Percise; daughters, Paige Percise Walker and husband, Mark, and Karen Allison Percise; his son, Don C. Percise, Jr. and wife, Wanda; stepdaughters, Laurie Leigh and Gayle Pate; five grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and cousins, who were all loved. Special relatives in Don's life were Zeb R. Jones, Newman and Kathy Percise and Ronnie Percise and wife, Scottie.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Christine Epps, and his twin brother, Ronald Roy Percise.
After years of illness, Don has entered his new life -- complete and well. His family rejoices with him, and celebrates his most deserved homecoming. He will be missed, but we rely on the promises of God that, as believers in Jesus, we will be reunited one day.
Contributions may be made to Alzheimer's North Carolina Inc. at 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, N.C., 27609,or First Presbyterian Church at 1101 E. Ash St., Goldsboro, N.C., 27530, designated to the music fund.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com. Also, the family would enjoy hearing your favorite story about Don at this website.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on April 27, 2011 1:48 PM