Donald Gordon Letteer

Donald Gordon Letteer, 75, passed away unexpectedly on February 5, 2025. A longtime resident of Peachtree Corners, GA., he was born on June 22, 1949, in Greece, NY, to Walter M. Letteer Jr. and June Mollard Letteer, both now deceased. He was preceded in death by his brother Darrell, also. His survivors include his spouse Susan, his sons Matthew (New York) and Douglas (Georgia), his daughter Darra (South Carolina), his brothers David (Paulette, North Carolina) and Dale (Rhonda, Colorado), his sister Dorinda (Illinois), his sisters-in-law Marianna (Randy, Georgia) and Rebecca (Ric, Georgia), his brother-in-law Joe (Tennessee), and nieces and nephews across America.
Donald was a man of letters, being the son of a mailman and earning three degrees beyond high school: B.A. and M.P.A. from State University of New York at Albany, and J.D. from the University of South Carolina. His major workplaces included the NY Dept. of Labor, the Cherokee County Solicitor and Public Defender offices, and AAA Johns Creek. For several years, he taught Business, Contract, and Ethics Law to Limestone College students in South Carolina, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to immigrants in Georgia.
He was a child of the 1950's with social convictions from the 1960's. He loved John Wayne movies, and collected railroad train ornaments, stamps, coins, and holiday Nutcrackers, while being a supporter of civil and women's rights.
Donald met his spouse of 39 years, Susan, during his doctoral studies. Together, they volunteered at many organizations, including the Association for Retarded Citizens (he was a Board Member), the Literacy Board (he was Treasurer), and the American Red Cross (he was Treasurer).
Donald earned his Amateur Extra Class Ham Radio license, the highest level of shortwave radio operation, and was part of the national disaster communications and emergency response teams in South Carolina. In addition to English, he spoke French, Spanish, and German conversationally, and knew basics of several other languages, which was useful for his international communications.
Donald was greatly involved in Scouting programs. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader in various roles for over two decades, including Den Leader, Unit Commissioner for Button Gwinnett District, and, for about fifteen years, Cubmaster of Norcross Pack 247. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's honor society, and sealed his Brotherhood through service. He was selected as recipient of the Golden Quill award at the district level, and was honored with the national Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award, for volunteers serving Scouts who face challenging barriers. He shepherded his daughter Darra from Brownie Scout to Gold Award recipient in Girl Scouts, and his son Douglas from Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.
Donald loved music, as well. He joined church choirs as a child, and continued similar involvement throughout his life. He was a member of Norcross First Global Methodist Church and the New Dukes Welden Fellowship Sunday School class for close to 25 years. He spent much of that time as a member of the Adult choir, with a few years in the Joyful Ringers handbell choir. He was active in missions work with the church, and especially enjoyed his time In Appalachia and Cuba, fulfilling the Christian missions theme of serving others "Across the Street and Around the World".
Donald adored his nuclear family, and would sacrifice anything for his children. He was an active and nurturing presence in their lives, teasing them with his Dad-joke humor, and instilling in them his values of kindness, compassion, and service to others. He had an adventurous spirit and a love for travel that became a roadmap for them (pun intended, in his memory.) He journeyed throughout Europe, and visited 49 of the 50 USA states, only missing out on Hawaii.
Donald's life was a testament to service and community, as he consistently sought ways to help others. His outreach enriched the lives of those with whom he came into contact, and his unwavering commitment to justice was a mirror of his character, exemplifying his belief in making the world a better place. He found fulfillment in lifelong learning, and in guiding others through their challenges. He will be well-remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for his warm heart and generous spirit.
Donald's Life Celebration will be held Sat., Feb. 15, 2025, in the Chapel at Norcross First Global Methodist Church (NFGMC) in Norcross, GA, with Visitation at 10:00a.m., Service at 11:00a.m., and Reception at 12:00 High (movie reference intended, again in his memory). Honorary pallbearers are the New Dukes Welden Fellowship Sunday School Class and the Chancel Choir, both from NFGMC. Donald tried his best to keep up with changing technology, so his service will be livestreamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/15ty4S9vJw/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
In lieu of flowers, to which he was allergic, please Donate in his memory: Your Blood to the American Red Cross; Your Time to Scouting America or a charity of your choice; and Your Money to the church's Missions Fund (make checks payable to NFGMC).
Donate : https://www.norcrossfirst.org/
Volunteer : https://www.scoutingatl.org/
Cremation services were provided by the Buford, GA location of Crowell Brothers.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. 770-448-5757.