Don Temple

PINEY CREEK — Dr. Donald "Don" Kelly Temple, 86, of 962 Topia Road, Piney Creek, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at his home. He was born Sept. 13, 1931, in Guilford County to the late Rev. Dewey Lowe Temple and Mittie Clodfelter Temple. He was preceded in death by a grandchild, Jeremy Spainhour; six brothers, Norman Temple, David Temple, R.J. Temple, Willis Temple, Mack Temple and Bill Temple; a sister, Dela Wagoner. Don is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Brenda Pugh Temple of the home; a son and daughter, along with their spouses, Mac and Drew Temple, of Sparta and Tara and Brandon Hanson of Piney Creek; three grandchildren, Ally Hanson, Delia Hanson and Graham Temple; a sister, Shirley Temple Hoyle and husband, Bob, of Winston-Salem. Don is also survived by five additional children, Teresa Thompson (Steve) of Ayden, Kelly Wagoner (Todd) of Kissimmee, Florida, Sandy Shank (Greg) of Cary, Donna Temple of Asheville, Bruce Temple of Jonesville; three grandchildren, Paul Shank, Jillian Davis (Staton), Jesse Spainhour; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and special friends. Dr. Temple lived a very full, active and blessed life. He was a successful optometrist for 60 years running his own private practice for most of his career. Having offices throughout the years in Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Watauga, Yadkin and Surry counties, Don touched many lives through his work. Prior to starting his career, Don served his country in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman during Korean Conflict. Don then attended and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill and Southern College of Optometry, where he was a valedictorian of his class. In addition to his career, Don was involved in many religious and civic organizations. He was a former Yadkin County commissioner, a past chairman of Hoots Memorial Hospital board of trustees, president for the Jonesville Arlington Lions Club and an active Gideon for over 30 years with Gideons International. In 1984, he helped start the Alleghany Chapter of Gideons and remained a member and lay speaker, traveling to many churches to spread God's word. Upon moving to the mountains, Dr. Temple became involved in Disabled American Veterans where he served as commander for the Ashe County Chapter. Don was a faithful member of Scottville Baptist Church, where he was involved in numerous building projects over the years. He had a talent for designing and building structures from beginning to end. There was never a dull moment in Don's life. Aside from his career and civic duties, his personal life also reflected what an amazing man he was. His love for his grandchildren was never ending and they brought joy to his life every day. Collecting antique cars was a true passion of his along with getting his hands on any building project around. The only thing to pull him away from his passions was the chance to watch his Carolina Tar Heels or Carolina Panthers play. You could count on Don to have the joke or wisecrack to always lighten the mood or make you smile no matter the situation. His unique sense of humor spread his inner happiness to all those around him. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he will be missed by all. The family will receive friends Friday, June 15, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. and a funeral will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at noon, both at Boone Family Funeral Home in West Jefferson. Dr. Temple will be laid to rest at Mount Zion UMC, Piney Creek. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, Alleghany Camp, P.O. Box 1891, Sparta, NC 28675; or Scottville Baptist Church, c/o Mary Jones, 10227 Hwy. 113, Piney Creek, NC 28663. You may give the family your condolences at our website www.boonefuneralhome.com. Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of these arrangements.