Dr. Dennis Ralph Donahue, long time resident of Morganton, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at the home of his daughter, Dawn Marie Michaud, in Sanford, North Carolina. Dennis was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Ella Marie Donahue.
He was born the son of Ralph James and Wanda Iona Donahue in Bonner Springs, Kansas on August 2, 1921. Following his graduation from Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas in June of 1943 with a DVM degree he entered the Army of the United States. After his discharge, he and his wife relocated to North Carolina. Dr. Dennis R. Donahue was Morganton’s first permanent veterinarian. He operated Donahue Animal Clinic from 1948 until he retired in 1982 after which he began a love affair with his beloved retreat, Hully Gully, where his grandchildren spent many weeks enjoying time with their granddad. The property has since been sold - a portion of which was given over to the National Park Service in order to complete the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.
Surviving him are his daughter, Dawn Marie Donahue Michaud (Robert) of Sanford, N.C., his son Dennis D. Donahue (Cindy) of Charlotte, N.C., his sister Dolores Folk of Loxahatchee, Florida, grandchildren Benjamin Little (Rebecca) of Sanford, N.C., Jason Little (Alison) of Greensboro, N.C., Patrick Little of Greensboro, N.C., step grandchild Chris Bradley as well as great grandchildren Matthew Little, Jordynn Little, and Ryan Little, step great grandchildren Joshua, Kylie, and Liam Baldwin, and his sister-in-law Mary Ball Jackson of Hendersonville, N.C., as well as many nieces and nephews.
Private interment for the family was held at Burke Memorial Park, Morganton, N.C. on Saturday, May 16, 2015.
Friends may make memorial donations in his memory to the charity of their choice.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center assisted the family with the arrangements.
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