Donald F.
Brookshire
Newport News, VA - Donald F. Brookshire, 65, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2013. He was a lifelong Virginia Peninsula resident. Don graduated from Asheville Biltmore College with a degree in design. He worked for Newport News Shipbuilding and retired in 2012 after 43 years of service. He was an avid bicyclist for over forty years. Don was loved by his family and coworkers and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his sister, Barbara McDonald; a niece, Catherine McGee; two nephews, Alan McDonald and Richard McDonald, all of North Carolina.
A graveside service will be held at 11 AM Friday, September 6, 2013 in Lewis Memorial Park in Asheville.
Condolences can be sent to www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
I had the pleasure of working with many great people at Newport News Shipbuilding, Donnie was one of them. Donnie was a quiet man who valued his job greatly. He was a rock in the Design Department for as long as I can remember. It is so sad to hear of his passing just as his retirement had started. My condolences to his family.
Steve Black
September 5, 2013
I met Donnie when I was assigned to APD in 1980. He was gentelman in every sense of the word. I looked up to him as a true professional designer all of my years at NNS. I have a hard time thinking I just went downstairs to shake his hand and wish him a well deserved retirement.
Terry Hamilton
September 4, 2013
I worked with Don from the time he hired into the shipyard until my retirement in 1996. He was an excellent worker and friend. He never shirked any assignment and completed it in a timely manner. My condolances to the family for the loss of a great person.-Skinny Long
Gene Long
September 3, 2013
I worked with Donnie for 20 years at Newport News Shipbuilding. He had a great sou,l a great spirit, and a great mind..he was a great human being..may the peace of our lord be with his family
Zoltan Varga
September 1, 2013
I have known Don for over fourty years and met him at the shipyard. He was quiet, had a passion for biking, hiking and outdoors. At work, he excelled and very through in his work. Kind to all and I have never seen him angry, in the midst of an argument, nor using profanity. He set the pace and always very straight lace about everything. Even through we would move in different directions at work, he always shared some fond outdoor experience he had just completed or was looking forward to when I caught up with him. He certainly will be missed. Donnie was a Retired NNS Master Shipbuilder from Engineering Design. My deepest Condolences to his family. -Flo
Flora Randall
September 1, 2013
I worked with Don In the 70's at NN shipbuilding in APD. Haven't seen him since we went on strike in 1977. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Thomas Szynal
September 1, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home - Newport News210 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601
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