Donald Keith Warren

MURFREESBORO, NC - Donald Keith Warren, a devoted family man and esteemed community member, passed away peacefully at his home in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 surrounded by his family. Born on April 17, 1954, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, he was 71 years old at the time of his passing. Donald was a cherished son of Finton Travis Warren and Edith Jean Davis Warren. Donald was affectionately known by many friends as "Heavy" and "Big D".
Donald spent his childhood working on the family farm, a passion that grew and remained into his adult life. Aside from being a dedicated hog farmer on the family farm, Donald persued a career as a parts and service manager with Tulloss Equipment in Murfreesboro and then with RW Moore Equipment in Ahoskie. He had a love for cultivating not just the land but also a love for the outdoors and a passion for life that he shared with everyone he knew. His love for rabbit hunting, especially, held a special place in his heart. He relished the sound of his beloved rabbit dogs on the trail and delighted in deer hunting and fishing. A man of varied interests, Donald found great pleasure in cooking on the grill, enjoying beach music, particularly the programs hosted by Jay Jenkins, Johnnie Draper, and Andy Lucy, where he was a regular caller. A devoted fan of the band Alabama, "Christmas in Dixie" was among his favorites.
A man who fit in everywhere, Donald loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also had a soft spot for dogs of all breeds, especially his dog Jackson. He and Jackson had their own daily routine that consisted of watching The Price is Right and napping. Some of his favorite places to enjoy good food were Claudine's and Parker's BBQ, and Sunnyside Oyster Bar. But perhaps one of his favorite places was at home, surrounded by his family during their weekly "Friday Night Steak Night".
Donald was a steadfast supporter of college sports, and enjoyed watching all of the ACC teams, but he had particular affection for the UNC Tarheels men's basketball and women's softball. His faith was central to his life; he was a member of Meherrin Baptist Church, where he served as an RA leader in the 1970s and sang in the choir in his earlier years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Finton and Jean Warren, and his brothers, Gary and Tommy Warren. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 50 years, Cheryl Ann Harrup Warren of the home, and his children: Amanda Taylor and husband Zach of Murfreesboro, NC; Matthew Warren and wife Tracey of Lutz, FL; and Megan Vick and husband Trey of Jackson, NC. Donald was lovingly known as "G-Dad" and "DooDa" to his grandchildren Kolby, Evie, Harper, Charleston, Hunter, Shepard, and Reid, who will all miss him tremendously. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Warren of Winston Salem, NC, and a large extended family and many friends.
A service to honor Donald's life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, beginning with a gathering of family and friends at 2:00 PM at Meherrin Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 519 Meherrin Lane, Murfreesboro, NC 27855. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM in the church sanctuary with Rev. John Porter officiating. Interment will follow at the Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Meherrin Baptist Church, 519 Meherrin Lane, Murfreesboro NC 27855 or online by clicking here
Online condolences may be expressed at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, 314 W. Main Street, Murfreesboro, NC 27855. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Keith Warren, please visit our floral store.