William Donald Mashburn

1934 - 2024

William Donald Mashburn

July 11, 1934 - January 23, 2024

William D. Mashburn (Bill) of the Elderspirit Community in Abingdon died Jan. 23, 2024. He was a native of Asheville, NC, and formerly resided in Marshall, Statesville and Brevard, NC. He was the son of Joseph and Gladys Berry Mashburn, and attended schools in Asheville and at Northwestern School of Music. He received his B.A. and an M.A. from the University of Hawaii, and a Masters in Public Health Administration from UNC, Chapel Hill, NC.

During his long career, Bill taught school, directed student affairs at a college, did planning and development for the Community Action program in Asheville, directed family planning programs in Asheville and Chapel Hill, served as the administrator for the health department in Asheville, and ended his career as the director of the Iredell Co. Health Dept. in Statesville, NC for 18 years. On his retirement, he was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Gov. James Hunt in recognition of his public health work.

Bill had a special interest in music and theater, playing piano for church congregations in Hawaii, Statesville, Asheville, and Abingdon. He also accompanied his two daughters as they grew up playing violin and becoming professional musicians. Community theater in Asheville, Statesville, and Brevard received his volunteer efforts as an actor, an occasional director, and as a musician.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Ocker Mashburn, daughters Regina Health and Donna Nestor; son, W. Joseph Mashburn; brother Cliff Mashburn and wife, Sue; and six grandchildren.

A memorial/celebration of life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Meadowview on Feb. 17th at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.