Donald Nelson "Don" Brookshire

1954 - 2025

Donald "Don" Nelson Brookshire

Jan 17, 1954 - Nov 29, 2025

Donald "Don" Nelson Brookshire, 71, passed away on Saturday, November 29, at the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, surrounded by his family. Mr. Brookshire was born in Brevard, NC, on January 17, 1954, to the late Edith and Deloyd Brookshire. Don received his MPA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and soon began a long and dedicated career in city government. He served the communities of Gibsonville, Thomasville, Huntersville, Pittsboro, Rockingham, and Brevard, and later retired as the City Manager of Mount Airy.

Don was appointed to the NCLM Risk Management Services Board of Trustees in 1989 and served the organization throughout the remainder of his local government career as a city manager. Don was appointed as the board chair in 1998 and under his leadership the League's risk management services saw phenomenal growth and was established as the market leader providing insurance services to over 80% of local governments in NC. More importantly, Don led with professionalism, humility, and a deep commitment to serving the needs of local government statewide. Don dedicated his life to public service and the League was but one beneficiary of his dedication.

He was also involved in many other volunteer organizations throughout his life, including Habitat for Humanity, Rotary, and Kiwanis. He lived by JFK's words "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country," and always put others before him.

Don enjoyed watching his grandkids at their church musicals and dance recitals. His other hobbies include attending classic car shows with his car club buddies and spending time with his dog, Ginger.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Brookshire was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Brookshire and brother-in-law, Ronny Edwards. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sylvia Tuttle Brookshire; his daughter, Stacie Brookshire Taylor (Matthew) of Winston-Salem; and three grandchildren, Rylan, Nora, and Wren Taylor. He is also survived by his siblings, Del Brookshire (Tamara) of Etowah and Diana B. Edwards of Hendersonville; several nieces and nephews-Matt, Lauren, Patrick, Nathan (Nina), Katelyn (Matt), Nick, and Zachary.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, at Salem Funeral Home, 2951 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106. A visitation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at www.cholangiocarcinoma.org. Online condolences may be left at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funerals & Cremations

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106