I met Don in early 90's in Raleigh in real estate business. In a conversation, he said "When I came to Raleigh I was 6 ft. tall. This is what happens after applying for building permits"! He was a "giant" among men. Everyone loved Don. His family can be proud of him. Peggy Makepeace Makepeace Real Estate Services Sugar Mountain, Seven Lakes, N.C.

I have known Don for many years. He was a business competitor, a consultant, and most of all a friend. His word was his bond.

It was an honor to have Don install me as President of the HBA in 2001. And, it was always good to see him and his smile at all the Past President lunches and HBA events. I appreciate all of the advice, and especially his friendship.

It was a wonderful experience to have shared high school memories with Don. He was a great person and friend. Joanne Marnien Redick class of '65

Deborah, We graduated with Don from Terry Parker High School almost 50 years ago. I remember that in our senior class superlatives, Don was voted the friendliest and he was just that, a friend to everyone he met. Always funny, warm and friendly Don will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace. Gary and Gayle Pinholster

So sorry to hear about Don. He was always so friendly and inviting to us when we would see him. I enjoyed playing golf with him in the past. He always made my day more enjoyable. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. Wayne and Gail Cannady

I will miss Don's smile and a sense of humor. We had a lot of good laughs and always listened to his advice about building issues. My condolences to Deborah and the family. Jack Lichtner

I knew Don from home builders, always good to see him, always a quick wit! I remember two events: at a Home Builders Asso planning meeting, we were having dinner, he got up to go to the bathroom. We got a kid's booster seat, and placed it in his seat. He just jumped up and finished his meal- "wishing he had thought of it years ago"! At the same weekend, he told me his "best" Christmas present came in small box from Deborah. He opened it up and found a credit card cut up- he said he cried in happiness. Don was a wonderful man, knowledgeable in business, fun to have around, well respected. We will miss him. prayers for your family!

I only had the opportunity to get to know Don during the past year but right away we became friends. I am so appreciative of the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that he was so generous to share with me. I will miss him.

So very sorry for your loss. Don was one of the friendliest, nicest people in high school and throughout his life. Sheryl Williams, Class of 65

I will always remember Don and his amazing gift to bring joy and laughter to everyone around him. We shared a lot of love, laughter and sorrow through our 55 years of friendship. I will cherish the many wonderful memories and I will miss him terribly. May your family find comfort in knowing that so many of us share your pain and your loss. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Janis Betz Lampe

I met Don when I was selling homes at Hasentree. He had a great sense of humor. My funniest memory of him was on Saint Patrick's day. He was late for the sales meeting and came in after the meeting had started. Of course he was all decked out for St Patrick's day wearing green. He apologized for being late and said he had a "run in" at the gas station. We were all concerned and asked what happened. He said he was minding his own business pumping gas and some people tried to abduct him...they thought he was a real leprechaun!! On a more serious note, Don was a kind, caring person and always there for me when I reached out to him for advise through the years. He was incredibly knowledgable about everything in the home building industry and just a great kind man!! I will miss him - he was truly one of the Angels in my life. Now he's a real Angel. Rest in peace Don and my condolences to his family. Laura Caldwell

Deborah and family, Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since learning of Don's hospitalization. The past two weeks have been unusually crazy, and Don's passing was a complete shock. We regret that we have not been with you for the services, but the lack of power and the frigid conditions prevented us from moving around at all. Please know that Don's friendship and support on the board of NCT was always highly appreciated by all who worked with him. Our best to you all. And we look forward to seeing you soon. Duke and Brenda Fentress

Fraley family, I am stunned and sadden by the news my friend and bunk has left me behind. We have only connected periodically since we shared an apartment at West Georgia College, but I looked forward to reconnecting with Don and Debbie (Deborah) when I retired this year. Over the years since the time we spent together I have always felt confident I could call on Don and Debbie if I ever needed them, and the reverse was always an option for them. Leigh Anne and I feel like we have lost a piece of our past. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Your memories of this fine man will give you strength to face the void Don has left. Sincerely John & Leigh Anne Grant

I am very sorry we have lost someone so special. May warm and funny memories lighten your sorrow. Our deepest sympathy to the Fraley family. Julie Byers and the Majestic Family Raleigh, NC

I just want to tell the family how truly saddened by the news. I have had my head in the sand I guess and had not heard of Don's passing and I am stunned and left feeling like we lost someone really special. I have not seen Don for quite some time but I served on the HBA with him many years ago and once he went on the most hilarious one man routine that had us all rolling in the restaurant. We were crying. A lot like Robin Williams really. I saw mentions of his humor and truly does not do him justice. A great guy. You are so lucky to have had him in your lives for so long. He certainly enriched mine for that short time. God Bless.

Thru all the ups and down from buying lots from him in hope valley farms to mi homes and lots of looking at land deals and catching up he always had a smile, quick laugh and was never to busy to " catch up". I can still see him beaming driving gkids around white chapel in camo 4 wheeler.

Don, you will be greatly missed, not only for your kind soul but the knowledge that you shared that benefited not only myself but the entire building industry! Thank you for your dedication, commitment and friendship that you gave to us all! May our lord be with you on your journey home. Rest in peace Don. Jodi M Sauerbier & TEAM New Homes & Ideas Magaine

Don was a good friend and always seemed to be in a good mood. He had a wondful sense of humor, was a great person and was someone you just enjoyed being around. May the Peace of Christ be with you and your fanily.