Donald Eugene Vaughn

October 09, 1931 - May 06, 2017

Obituary For Donald Eugene Vaughn

Donald Eugene Vaughn, of Raleigh, a physician, died on May 6, 2017 at the age of 85. Dr. Vaughn was born October 9, 1931 in Gaffney, SC, the eldest son of the late Jess and Eulalia Vaughn. He was also preceded in death by his brother Ray Vaughn. He grew up and attended high school in Gastonia, NC. He attended the University of North Carolina and attended medical school at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.

After graduation from medical school he did further training in Washington, DC and Knoxville, TN and after serving two years in the Army began a family practice during the period of 1961 through 1977.

In 1978, he joined the emergency department group at Rex Hospital where he continued until retirement in 1996. During this time, he was active in the North Carolina Medical Society serving on several committees. He was a member of the North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians serving on committees and as a member of the Board of Directors for several terms. He received the first George Podgorny award from the College for his work in developing a do-not-resuscitate form for pre-hospital providers for the State of North Carolina.

After retirement from the Rex Emergency Department he worked at various emergency departments throughout the country but obtained most notoriety for his time working on cruise ships.

From 1985 until 2002 he was medical director of the Wake County EMS System, a position which brought him great pleasure through his work with so many dedicated individuals. From 1998 until 2012 he was on the Copernicus Group Independent Review Board. In 2002, he was presented the Dr. George Johnson, Jr. award from the North Carolina Advisory Council and the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services for his efforts in improving emergency medical care for North Carolina.

His wife Linda Yarborough Vaughn and five children, Donna Pittard of Durham, Donald Vaughn, Jr. and wife Anita of Chapel Hill, Mark Vaughn and his wife Shannon of Wake Forest, Michael Vaughn and his wife Suzanne of Cary, and Charles Winstead of Raleigh, one brother, Alex Vaughn, and one sister, Janice McKnight survive him. Also, his six beloved grandchildren and two great grandchildren who always made life interesting and brought him so much joy survive him.

Flowers are appreciated, or memorial gifts could be made to the Wake County EMS Fund, PO Box 603428, Charlotte, NC, 28260, 1-844-409-2031 or another of your choice. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 2 pm. The family will receive friends from 3-5 pm. Services will be held at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615

Services

13 May

Celebration of Life Service

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

13 May

A Gathering of Friends and Family

03:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Cat Plautz

I just learned of Dr. Vaughn's passing. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had the privilege to work with him at Copernicus Group IRB while he was a beloved and valued IRB Board Member. He brought a wealth of knowledge and concern to each meeting with a genuine desire to protect human research subjects. He had a great smile and sense of humor too. His bowties were legendary.
September 01, 2020

Pat & Joey Martin

We are sorry to hear of Dons passing. I will always remember the time my wife took me to the emergency room because a tree limb fell on me and Don, our neighbor, had to debark my head. Our sympathies are extended to the family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Pat & Joey Martin
September 01, 2020

Robert DiLorenzo

Don Vaughn was a very good man. I had the great pleasure to work alongside him for several years. He was a brilliant physician, a consummate professional with and extremely sharp mind, warm smile and winsome bedside manner. Everybody who worked with him loved him and the Lord blessed him with an amazing wife! It was truly an honor to have known him and worked with him. Linda, You and your loved ones are in our hearts and prayers. Bob and Sherri DiLorenzo
September 01, 2020

Edna Reynolds

Dr. Vaughn was such a huge influence on the EMS system in Wake County and a wonderful, compassionate and support I e mentor to all of us! May he rest in sweet peace, knowing that he has run his race, has kept the faith, and has now received his eternal reward!
September 01, 2020

Glenn Veit

Thanks for letting me know my dear friend Do is now at peace. From 1998 to 2012, Copernicus Group IRB had the great good fortune to have Don as part of our review Board as a physician member. Don made an immediate impression with his wry smile, dry wit, dapper bow-tie and extensive knowledge of medicine. Although he was retired, he never retired from learning more about the research issues of the day we confronted in our Board meetings. He became our go-to guy on difficult studies, which he approached with common sense and un-common preparation and literature reviews. His presence on our IRB not only made us better at what we do, it made it more enjoyable just to be there and learn from him. Although Don was trained as a physician, what he really was for many of us was an outstanding teacher, friend, colleague and awesome guy. Those of us who had the privilege to know him and work with him through those years loved Don and will miss him greatly. But the joy of knowing him will always be with us here at Copernicus. Thanks for everything Don. It was a real pleasure. Glenn Veit
September 01, 2020

Roger James

Dear Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Vaughn. Unfortunately I did not know him very well at all. I sincerely hope you are doing well. I have such fond memories of you and your mother and father during our youth in Roxboro. It was a wonderful time and place to grow up. Hope our paths cross sometime soon. With very best regards, Roger James
September 01, 2020

Sandra Vandall

So very sorry for your loss. I will always remember his smile and sense of humor. He taught me loads. Thankful to have known him and Linda. Thoughts and prayers sent your way.