Charles Donald Metcalf

Charles Donald "Don" Metcalf, of Nebo NC, entered into eternal rest on June 22, 2024 surrounded by his family. 

Don was born on December 5, 1942 in Elizabeth City, VA to Virginia Woody and Lewis Charles Metcalf while his father was employed at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. They later returned to their hometown of Swannanoa, NC, where he graduated from Charles D. Owen High School. There he met, and shortly after graduating, married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lou Ledford, who preceded him in death on February 23, 2015. He joined the United States Airforce in 1961, and served in the Azore Islands. After returning home, he worked as a Purchasing Agent at various corporations throughout the state of North Carolina. He loved golf, fishing, water skiing, camping, and spending time with his wife and children. He enjoyed singing bass in Southern Gospel music, a heritage that he passed down through four generations. In the 1970's and 80's, he sang in a group called The Tonesmen, and traveled extensively, spreading the gospel through their songs. He was a devoted family man, and made countless precious memories with his children and grandchildren. After the death of Sharon, his beloved wife of 52 years, Don was blessed with happiness again, and married Mildred Southern in January of 2022. They shared his final years joyfully, visiting with their families, caring for one another, and serving at their church together.

In addition to his parents and wife Sharon, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Metcalf (Joyce). Left to grieve him are his wife Mildred Southern, sister, Linda Swann (Eddie), daughters, Pam White (Garry Winebarger), Robin Miller (Robin), son Chuck Metcalf (Amy). Grandchildren: Stephanie Ritchie (Josh), Daniel White (Tina), Sarah Lowder (Brandon), Tyler Metcalf, Austin Moore (Sydney), Megan McMechen (Cody), Aaron Moore, and Coleman Metcalf. Great grandchildren: Ady Lowder, Travis White, Amelya Lowder, Taylor White, and Gunner Moore. In addition to these are many special nieces, nephews, cousins.

Through marriage he was blessed with many more people he considered family, including: Amber, Jake & Hogan White, Teresa & Geoff Conard, Bill & Catherine Southern and Randy Southern, Robbie Southern, Adam Conard, Amy Conard, April Southern, Kevin Southern, Kayla Southern, and Will Southern, Riley Southern, Brendon Case, Asher Conard, Abel Conard, Asa Conard, Jack Jordan, Charleigh Smith, Jayden Stephenson, Kalynn Bowman, and Trinity Bowman. He was so proud of all his children and grandchildren, and will be missed by many. 

There will be a celebration of his life at Going Home Free Will Baptist Church,191 E Yancey Street, in Marion NC on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The family will receive friends at 2:00pm, followed by a service at 3:00pm. He will receive military honors at a private service for family, extended family, and close friends, and will be laid to rest at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by to the Asheville VA Health Care System by visiting https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/50810087/

or by mailing a check made payable to Asheville VA Health Care System to: VA Voluntary Services, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805.