Donald Francis Moyer

Don was born on October 18, 1928, in Findlay, Ohio to Homer F. Moyer and Edna Newton Moyer. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years Barbara Jean Perry Moyer, and by his sisters Betty Moyer Redd Sellers of Belleville, Ohio and Marilyn Moyer Weston of Columbia, Mississippi .

Don lived in Mansfield, OH, and Naples, Melbourne, and Boca Raton, FL before retiring to Cary, NC.

Don and Barbara have three children: Debbie Moyer of Garner, NC; Gregory Moyer, who proceeded them in death; and Danny Moyer of Atlanta, GA. Also, survived by his cherished grandchildren, Delaney Moyer of Los Angeles, CA; Deanna Moyer of Atlanta, GA; and Devon Moyer of Atlanta, GA.

Don left high school in 1945 to join the U. S. Navy, and he volunteered for the submarine service. He served aboard the U. S. S. Chopper in the Pacific Arena of World War II. An Engineman Second Class, Don received the China Service Medal and a Commendation at Meritorious Mast. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

Don returned home, to resume working at the Mansfield Tire company building truck tires. However, he wanted to work in the new and exciting field of electronics. During the 1950’s he took a series of correspondence courses and classroom training in radio and television servicing, color television technician, transistor and printed circuits, etc.

He worked in television repair for several years, but he became interested in the field of aeronautics and the first satellite launches. In 1962 he began working at the U. S. Tracking station on Marco Island, FL. In 1963 he relocated to Melbourne, FL to work for the company Radiation, manufacturing electronic equipment. Part of his duties included traveling 25 miles north to Cape Canaveral to oversee the installation of equipment for NASA.

He continued seeking educational opportunities, taking a full load of courses at Florida Engineering College. This led to the next phase of his career at IBM in Boca Raton, FL. There he distinguished himself in the new field of computer graphics.

Upon his retirement, Don decided he would like to take up woodcarving. He quickly distinguished himself as a gifted woodcarver, specializing in realistic bird carvings and humorous figurines. Soon he was teaching classes at the senior centers in the area.

During his lifetime Don volunteered his time and talent for many worthy causes. He and Barbara volunteered for many school and youth athletic events. They operated the concession stands for the Boca Jets and the Boca Raton High School Football teams. Don quickly distinguished himself as the resident expert popcorn popper (a title and position he already held at home).

Don also was a faithful blood donor, giving over 15 gallons in Florida and North Carolina. Later he dedicated himself to giving platelets through apheresis.

Soon after taking up woodcarving, he stepped up to lead a class through a senior center in Florida. This led to teaching numerous classes. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

When he moved to North Carolina Don could not find a carving class. In 1995 he started the woodcarving class at the Garner Senior Center, which he continued to teach until his death.

For several years Don also served on the board of directors of Resources for Seniors.

Don was a proud member of the NC Submarine Veterans - Tarheel Base. He also was a member of the Sunny Scrollers group for scroll saw aficionados.

All his life Don was an avid reader. He enjoyed fishing, working on a variety of paper puzzles, and college and professional football and baseball.

Don had a great sense of humor, enjoyed talking with people, and had great compassion for others. He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbor, and we will greatly miss him.

Family and friends will gather from 1:45 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road, Cary, NC 2751.

Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Brown-Wynne Funeral Home Chapel.

A private burial will be held at Wake Memorial Park.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Moyer family.