Donald Ray Church,

Donald Ray Church, age 64, of Granite Falls passed away on Thursday, April 11 at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born April 14, 1948 to the late Shirl Louid and Helen Stilwell Church, he was retired from Hickory Springs where he was a truck driver for over 35 years. Donald attended Friendship Methodist Church in Rhodhiss before he became a member of Antioch Baptist Church. He volunteered at Antioch in many capacities and was a Sunday School Teacher, Usher, Yoke Fellow, participated in the Men's Bible Study and was one of Santa's "special" helpers. He was a Association Member of the Dixie Chapter of 83rd Infantry Division. Donald enjoyed traveling to conventions, hunting and fishing. He loved to be with his family, friends and making them happy and was also fond of his nieces and nephews. Including his parents, he is preceded in death by several aunts and uncles. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 40 years - Dianne Freeman Church, of the home; sisters - Judy Landreth and husband Conner, of Conover and Pat Canipe, of Hickory; brother - Ken Church and wife Rita, of Granite Falls; aunt - Leona Church, of Rhodhiss; a number of nieces and nephews; many special friends, along with his special pet friends - "Daylee" and "Fluffy."
The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Antioch Baptist Church. Service will be held on Monday, April 15, 2013 at 4:00 pm at Antioch Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Morris and Rev. Don Ingle officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Antioch Baptist Church Building Fund @ 580 Antioch Church Rd, Taylorsville, NC 28681.