Don Ray Hepler

Don Ray Hepler, 85, of Greensboro, passed away on July 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving wife and daughters after fighting a brave and exhausting battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was a true warrior with strength and determination far beyond words.

Born on January 9, 1940, he graduated from Grimsley High School.  He began his career as a draftsman at Bell Laboratories and proceeded to mechanical  engineering/senior management  at AMP Inc/TYCO.  He was a devoted husband to his wife Ann for 66 years, and a loving father to his children, Kathy Byrd, Patty Gray and Wayne Hepler.  He was a proud grandfather to 7 grandchildren: Jessica Stephens (Glen), Brittany Kohns (Aaron), Mendy Sims (Dallas), Amanda Byrd (Eric Doyle), Dustin Gray (fiancé’ Kaisa), Kayla Hepler (fiance’ Nathan) and Samantha Hepler (fiance’ Kaden).  He was blessed with 9 great-grandchildren, Mathew, Lane, Vanessa, Gavin, Everett, Riddeon, Reagan, Lincoln, and Eleanore (Nora).

He was preceded by his beloved parents Robert and Omie Hepler, brother R.W. Hepler and sister Beatrice Campbell.  Surviving siblings are Dorothy Wyrick and Brenda Oakley. Don was a dedicated family man and acted as a caring and loving father-figure to many extended family members including nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don was an avid saltwater fisherman, spending countless hours on the Atlantic Ocean with his family and friends.  He shared his love of traveling the world, camping in the NC mountains and cross country trips.  He and Ann shared 20+ years at their home on Topsail Island and created lasting memories with their entire family.  

In his retirement years, he and Ann enjoyed time boating and fishing in the Florida Keys. Memories from fishing, boat rides, skiing/tubing, shelling, and most importantly the love he showed everyone will be cherished for a lifetime. In his last years, the family has enjoyed sitting on the back deck of their home with mom, watching the antics of the birds, squirrels and deer.  Though he may be gone, his spirit will live on in our hearts.  We will cherish the memories we shared forever. 

The family will receive friends at Community Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 1330 Burnetts Chapel Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406 on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 10:00am – 10:45am before the celebration of his life graveside service at 11:00am with Pastor J. R. Gossett officiating. 

A very special thank you to the staff of Options for Senior America, the entire Heritage Greens Community, AuthoraCare Hospice and the staff at Beacon Place for all of the exceptional care provided to Don and his family.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial gifts be made to Beacon Place or Hospice Home of AuthoraCare Collective, 2504 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.

George Brothers Funeral Service is honored to assist the family of Mr. Hepler.

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