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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Iam sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
I remember when I was 5y/o in kindergarten at Mull Elementary, Mr. Lovelace came to talk to me. He had heard about me telling the Christmas story about Jesus to one of my teachers. He ended up wanting to get a video of me telling that story. I remember thinking that was the coolest thing...he set up that huge camcorder Mull had in the library and had me tell the story. I'll always remember how much it meant to me that he wanted to hear what I had to say.
We are so sorry for the family's loss. He will be missed. Sending prayers of comfort to the family. Rosemary and Ryann
Prayers for Donald Lovelace, family He was a great, friend of Dad and Mom ,my Dad worked with him at Mull School and he married me and my husband Richard Brown, sending the family lots of prayers.
Love and prayers to a precious family , From all your Christian friends at Glen Alpine First Baptist Church. We loved the time he spent with us , he was a special , loving man of God .
I remember Preacher Lovelace from being my principal at Mull Elementary. Then, later on I attended Missionary Ridge and was married there. He always brought peace to my soul with his inspirational messages. He was a pillar to the community who will be greatly missed. I pray the Lord will comfort his family and friends until we see him again. He has received his crown!
Patsy and Family Donald was so loved by me and all of the people at the Ridge. His was a life well lived and of service to the Lord. He has made an indelible mark on me and so many others throughout my life. God sure got a great one on Friday. I know you are heartbroken now but rejoicing at the same time as you know he has finally received the ultimate reward. Love you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate life without him.
Was a good man. Our church was a small church and we didn’t have a baptismal fount when I got baptized at 15 ; he graciously let the 5 of us use his church fount. He also was at Mull Elementary when my little sis was there. Sending our prayers for the family.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
May Gods loving arms give you comfort during these times .. we will continue to pray for you and your family in the days ahead .. Donald was a friend and Pastor to a lot of people including Steve and I .. we loved him and know he’s Happy rejoicing with Jesus and walking the streets of gold ! Big Hugs and lots of prayers.. we love you Steve Diane Rhodes
There are not sufficient words to express my sorrow @ the loss of such a wonderful man so devoted to God and his precious wife. He will be greatly missed.