Donald "Don" Ray Acrey

Mr. Acrey, 75, passed away on 5/17/2024 at the Durham VA Medical Hospital.

Don Acrey was born on 2/7/1949 to the late Mr. Clint Acrey and Mrs. Julia Ragan in Columbia, SC. He attended Durham High School, class of 1967, then joined the United States Marine Core in July 1967.  He served honorably until 1973 and is a Vietnam War Veteran. While serving in the Marines, Don married Patty Herbert and graduated from North Carolina State University in 1974 with a degree in Horticulture science. Don worked at large landscape nurseries from North Carolina to California and his young family traveled along. Don and his family returned to Durham, NC where he owned and operated Greenworks Landscaping for over 20 years. Later, Don managed a team for the Grounds Department at UNC Chapel Hill.

Don was an avid cyclist. His early motocross career evolved into a passion for riding his bicycle with friends. He relished riding with his buddies, learning the local trails, and trying to jump the biggest log he could find. He was a dedicated dad who loved spending time with his family and going to his sons’ baseball and lacrosse games. He loved the beauty of local plants and natural surroundings. Don enjoyed the outdoors whenever possible.  

In addition to his parents, Mr. Acrey was preceded in death by brothers Keith Acrey, Timothy Acrey, and Phil Acrey.

Mr. Acrey is survived by his wife and lifelong companion, Patty Acrey; Sons, Clint Acrey (Stuart) and Brad Acrey (Heather); Grandchildren, Ellie Acrey, Caleb Acrey and Beckett Acrey; Sisters, Phyllis Staton (Bob) and Carolyn Andrews.

A visitation will be held at Hudson Funeral Home, 211 S. Miami Blvd, in Durham, from 3 pm to 5 pm on Wednesday, May 29th. Don’s inurnment will be at a National Veteran’s Cemetery columbarium this summer.

In place of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions can be directed to Eno River Association, https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/eno-river-association/tributegift

Or the Durham VA Healthcare System (suggested Program for Donation – Hospice Care needs), https://www.pay.gov/public/form/entry/105/50810087/