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.
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Donald was a wonderful educator, pastor, and person. All who knew him loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Mrs. Lovelace, We are so blessed that we got to meet & get to know both you & Pastor Lovelace when he came as our interim pastor at First Baptist in Glen Alpine. Both of you quickly became loved members of our church family. I’m sure that God led y’all to us because you were exactly what we needed as we prepared to accept a new pastor. We loved Pastor Lovelace’s messages & how you were such an active part of his ministry. We loved on both of you & you returned it tenfold! We know your loss is great & our hearts ache for you & your family. May God touch all of you with strength & comfort until the time when all of you are together again. Love, Sue & Hubert Howard
May your light always shine bright Uncle Donald
Donald was a fine friend and a wonderful pastor. I never knew a better man. I am consoled only because I know where he is and that I will see him again soon.
So sorry to read this. Just saw Don last week at Timberwoods and he seemed to be in better health and even better spirits. I worked with him at Mull and Table Rock schools and sincerely share that he was always a bright spot in my life whenever we met. Peace and Blessings.
Sending thoughts and prayers of solace to this loving family.
I had the pleasure to meet Don when I went to work for BCPS in 1969. I never saw him without a smile. My deepest condolences to you and the family.
To my dearest Patsy, My heart lays heavy. I am praying for you and your family! Donald was always an inspiration to me! He married my parents! He baptized me! He help me get through the death of both of my parents at the ages of 13 and 18! He was an amazing person! A true disciple of Christ the Righteous! I love you Patsy! May God surround you and guide you to brighter days as you walk together!
Such a great man . Loved you at Glen Alpine so happy to have enjoyed your message.
We wish you peace and comfort in this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, We send you love. -Glenn and Cathy