Born in Spring Hope, North Carolina, he was the son of the late James David Manning and Elizabeth Stone Manning. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Manning.
Donald is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Barbara Ann Manning; his daughter, Cheryl Hocutt (Bruce); his son, Anthony Manning (Trisha); his step-son, James Spiggle (Denise); six grandchildren, Owen Manning, Atticus Manning, Kellyn Manning, Amanda Fenlon (John), Elizabeth Horne (Josh), and Will Fuller, III; and seven great-grandchildren, Daniel Robertson, Kyleigh Fenlon, Esme Fenlon, Rowan Fenlon, Charlotte Fuller, Wiley Fuller, and Nathan Horne. His love for his family was steadfast and evident in the pride he took in each of their accomplishments and in the joy he found in their time together.
Donald retired after more than 35 years of dedicated service with General Electric and Ericsson. Throughout his career in communications, he traveled extensively, visiting 16 countries and spending significant time in Saudi Arabia. He was especially proud of his role in helping establish communications for the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway, an accomplishment he often reflected on with gratitude. His work not only provided for his family but also satisfied his love of travel and adventure.
That adventurous spirit extended beyond his career. Donald enjoyed flying and came just short of earning his pilot’s license. He even had the rare opportunity to fly aboard the Concorde, an experience he cherished. In his leisure time, he found freedom on the open road riding his motorcycle with the Blue Ridge Cruisers and peace along the water while fishing. He and Barbara also shared a love for travel, especially cruising together and making lasting memories along the way.
Above all, Donald will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose steady presence and quiet strength anchored his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he so dearly loved.
A service celebrating his life and faith will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2026, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with the Rev. Gary Vernon officiating. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
