Donald William Guffey

Born in Bakersville, N.C. on November 7, 1939, but due to early heavy snow, his birth was not officially recorded until the next day, and with that he enjoyed many years of celebrating two birthdays. He was the son of the late Ernest and Annie Guffey.

After serving as a Corpsman in the US Navy for eight years, Don was recruited for the pilot Physician’s Assistant program at Duke University. After successfully completing the program, which was too new for any licensing mechanism, Don pursued a nursing career, first through the diploma program at Providence School of Nursing in Mobile, Alabama and then a B.S. in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia. He received his Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of South Carolina. As a registered nurse, he served as Head Nurse in Intensive Care and Medical Units. He returned to the military, this time serving as an officer in the US Army Nurse Corps. His Army career included serving as Project Officer for the Moncrief Hospital upgrade, Instructor and Deputy Director of LPN Program and Nursing Education and Assistant Chief of Nursing Administration. Upon retiring from the military, Don went to work for South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control as a Home Health Care Consultant and Administrator. During his long distinguished nursing career, he received Navy Meritorious Service Medals and Army Commendation Medals as well as numerous leadership awards including the McDermott and J. Marion Sims awards. He even received the Key to the City of Mobile for his community service.

More than accolades, Don enjoyed making friends and colleagues spread far and wide. He also truly enjoyed the freedom of the open road, fishing and an eclectic array of music. He was a member of Shandon Baptist Church and former deacon at State Street Baptist Church. Don will be sorely missed by his family. But they know they will see him again in Heaven because of the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ann Guffey; daughters, Dona Guffey and Amanda Miller (Tom); and his grandson, Will Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, James Guffey.

The family would like to thank his caregivers especially Nichel’le Speaks, AHCNA, for her unique ability to care both for her patient and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 7, 2018 in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. prior to the service at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.