Donald Scalf

1935 - 2017

ROCKY MOUNT - Donald Lee Scalf, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. Born in Montgomery, AL on January 13, 1935, he was the fourth child of Rev. John Henry Scalf and Mary Cameron Scalf.

Don grew up in Winston-Salem and then the family moved to High Point where his father was the minister of English Street Baptist Church. Don graduated from High Point High School in 1952. In high school he exceled at basketball and track. He went to Wake Forest University and graduated in 1957. While at Wake Forest he played basketball and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He obtained his Masters Degree in Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1959. After getting his Masters he coached girls basketball and taught at Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, NC. He moved to Rocky Mount in 1962 to teach physical education and coach men's basketball at NC Wesleyan College until 1998 when he retired.

In 1994 Don was inducted into the NC Wesleyan College Athletic Hall of Fame and into the USA South Conference Hall of Fame in 2010. Also during his tenure at Wesleyan the soccer field was named for him and in 2006 a group of his former basketball players had the basketball court named after him. He was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa Society. Don retired as Professor Emeritus of NC Wesleyan College.

For 18 years Don managed the Westridge Swim Club. During that time he taught hundreds of children to swim. He was well loved by all involved.

Don married JoAnne Hodgin in 1957 and they had two children and two grandchildren. He was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church from 1963 until his death. He sang in the choir for 30 years and served on the music committee.

Don was predeceased by his parents, brother, John and sister, Doris. He is survived by JoAnne, his wife of 59 years; daughter Kay; son Ken and wife, Sue; and grandchildren, Kelly and Andrew. His is also survived by his brother Bob.

A Celebration of Coach Scalf's Life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Visitation will follow service in the Sugg Foyer of the Kinchloe Building.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804; or Don Scalf Scholarship Fund at NC Wesleyan College, 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.