Rev. Donald B. Lovelace, 79, of Morganton, NC passed away, on Friday, May 24, 2024. He was born on March 5, 1945 in Rutherford County to the late Bonnie and Minnie Buff Lovelace. Donald was a graduate of Salem High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. It is there that he met the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Patsy. He graduated from Appalachian State Teacher’s College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Master’s Degree in School Administration. Donald served the children of his community through his 28 years of employment with Burke County Public Schools including Mt. View, Chesterfield and Mull Elementary, Central Office, The Alternative School and Table Rock Middle School. However, his true calling was serving his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was ordained into ministry in 1977 and was the pastor of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church for 32 years. He also served the Cowboy Church and several interims after his retirement. Donald always enjoyed being with his family and especially watching his grandkids play sports and supporting their school activities. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling and watching his Carolina Tarheels. Donald was always sharing the love of Jesus Christ to all he met.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Joye L. Propst, Minnie L. Poteat, and Frances L. Barnwell; brother, George Lovelace (Donna), brother-in-law, Sexton Dale.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Saunders Lovelace; daughter, Joy L. Buff (Brad); grandchildren, Brayson, Brenlyn and Jolann Buff; sister, Edith Dale; brother, Louis Lovelace (LaUna); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1:30-3pm Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church. The funeral will begin at 3pm in the church with Rev. Darren Browning officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family would like for him to continue to share about his Jesus through memorial contributions made to Annie Armstrong Love Offering or Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Rev. Donald B. Lovelace.
Dear Patsy, I’m always late in finding out about things particularly since we don’t get papers. I’m so sad to see this about Donald. He was a wonderful principal at Mull and I was glad to work there. Jim and I just watched the video he made of Jeremy Carswell telling the Christmas story. Jeremy’s rendition was adorable and Donald knew what to ask to get more info. I will always think of Donald highly both as a principal but as a pastor that shared his kindness with students. Once we had our first black child transfer to us. He was a kindergartener. Donald wanted to be sure the young man felt comfortable so he took one of Mrs. Bumgarner’s boys and some toys and the guys played on the floor of the office for a bit before he came with his new friend to class. He is a gift that God needed to continue the faith. Love, Susan Williams
Oh, Patsy! I just now read of Donald’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. Donald’s was special (and so are you.) I am sure he is excited to reunite with all who entered God’s Glory before him. Love you.
Donald, Thanks for your friendship and kindness during the loss of our family needs. Your a great blessed man. Brenda
Dear Patsy, Joy and family: I was saddened to hear about Donald's passing, but I know he is rejoicing in his heavenly home! I have so many fond memories of Donald as a child. From being my pastor to my principal at Mull Elementary. I never saw him without a smile on his face. He led me to Jesus at age 9, and although I strayed for many years, coming back to Jesus as an adult brought back memories of that day that Donald prayed with me. He was a dear man and mentor to many. I know you all are at peace that only Jesus can give because you know Donald is resting in his eternal home. Love you all! Holly (Tallent) Anderson
Mr. Lovelace was my elementary principal at Mull. He was always smiling, a fair man and kind towards the students. Great man, that never wanted any special treatment for doing his job.
So, sorry to hear about Donald. It has taken a while for us to realise what has happened. We all send our love, thoughts and prayers and wish we could be there with you.
Patsy, we want you and your family to know how deeply saddened we are for you all. Please know we are keeping you in our prayers. Donald was such a an inspiration to the whole community and will be greatly missed. We love you and your family.
We absolutely loved Donald. Jim had him has a principal and he married us at Missionary Ridge. He was such a kind soul and will be missed very much.
Donald was my pastor, friend & family.He and Patsy We love because they are my sweet thought ful fun loving Christian family as well as my related family… I’m so thankful we are…..Patsy & Donald are not afraid to tell you they love you , they are praying for you .We are keeping Patsy Joy and family in our prayers and I know you will find peace and strength in the Memories and in Our Lord . Patsy & James Roger’s ….