Donald Eugene Masters

Donald Eugene Masters (Don), 96, left this life on Sunday, November 24, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, December 6 at 2:00 pm in Rehobeth Church with burial following at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm prior to the service.

Don was born in Mitchell County, NC on November 22, 1928 to Henry Moses Masters and Nola Joyce Greer Masters. He graduated from Tipton Hill High School in 1946. And with his passion of the mountains found a junior college nearby, paying tuition with logging money from the family mill. Don met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Groome, at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC. They were married in 1950, settled in the community of Sumner (Greensboro) and remained there throughout their married life.

They were both active members of Rehobeth Church and enjoyed singing in the choir together. Don served on many committees and held multiple positions through the years. Some of his favorites were being a youth leader and teaching Sunday School. He also assisted with church maintenance and served as a Trustee. He and Gwen participated in 17 mission trips to Mexico and still have contacts there. He was also a very active and loyal member of the local Gideons. Outside the church, he volunteered at Sumner Elementary assisting students with reading and math, delivered mobile meals and drove a bus for several senior programs. Anyone who knew him, knew he never met a stranger, was not shy about professing his Christian faith and was willing to serve anyone who needed help.

Most of Don’s career was spent as parts manager with North State Chevrolet. Understanding the parts and how they worked together seem to come easily for him. He was a friend to many and did auto and home repairs for anyone who asked. He also enjoyed working in his garden, but enjoyed sharing it with others even more.

Don and Gwen enjoyed playing Bridge and were in a couples group that lasted 50 years. They also enjoyed heading back to Banner Elk for Alumni week each July. There they would catch up with old classmates and work the Alumni Arts and Crafts Show to aid with scholarships. The North Carolina mountains have always been a special place for them.

Don was devoted to his family, was a strong example and instilled tremendous values in each of them. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Gwendolyn Groome Masters; son, Eric Masters (Vicki Kimberlin Masters) and daughters, Mary Joyce Masters Marks, Gretchen Masters Baugh (Bibb Baugh); grandchildren, Erika Masters (Jason Lynam), Ben Masters (Emily Walter Masters), Stephen Marks, Matthew Marks, Trevor Baugh (Katy Jones Baugh), and Genna Baugh Hardgrove (Brad Hardgrove) along with six great grandchildren.

His deceased siblings include Madge Schooner, Mary Jane Archer (Glen Archer), Alma Kallam (Obie Kallam), and Ken Masters; living siblings, Clara Peterson (Gene Peterson), Issadore Masters (Cecile Masters, deceased), Grace Breese (Art Breese, deceased), and Bill Masters (Joyce Masters). Also, brother-in-law, Ken Groome (Pat Groome) and deceased sister-in-law, Martha Weber (Warren Weber, deceased).

His family is thankful for the loving care he received from Camden Health and Rehabilitation and the respect the staff showed him throughout his stay there.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rehobeth Church, Gideons International or Lees-McRae Alumni Association.

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