John Paul Donaldson

John Paul Donaldson, age 82, passed away on November 9, 2025. He was born on December 11, 1942, in Meade, South Dakota, to the late Laurence "Kelly" Donaldson and Adelaide Weedman Donaldson.

John attended South Dakota State University, earning his bachelor's degree in English in 1965 and his master's degree in Education in 1968. He taught Math and English in South Dakota and Arizona. John went on to become a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society on November 21, 1977. On May 23, 1980, he was welcomed into the American Academy of Actuaries. John worked as an actuary for his entire career, spending most of his time as the Chief Actuary for the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

John married Joan Webbenhurst, and together they adopted Tom in 1974. They lived in many places but eventually made Raleigh their home. In 1990, Joan passed away. John later found happiness again with Janie Brantley, and the two were married on October 18, 1996, and made their home in Historic Oakwood in Raleigh. They later built their home in Franklin County.

John is survived by his loving wife, Janie Brantley Donaldson; son, Tom Donaldson (Kristin); step-daughters: Pamela Leonard (Cory) and Michelle Woody; grandchildren: Tyler Hight, Whitney Hight (fiancé, James Turner), Lydia Donaldson, Erynn Donaldson, Colin Donaldson, and Colton Leonard; and great-granddaughter, Elora Jane Turner.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Webbenhurst Donaldson, and brothers: David "Dave" Donaldson, Robert "Bob" Donaldson.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, November 14, 2025, at Zebulon Town Cemetery, N. Whitley St and E. Stronach Ave, Zebulon. The family will greet friends and relatives immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in John's memory.