Donald Wayne Nesbitt

Don was born November 21, 1935, in Rowan County, a son of the late Fred Lamar Nesbitt & Beulah Shives Nesbitt. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his brother James Lamar Nesbitt, and a son, Todd Lamar Nesbitt.

Don was a 1954 graduate of A. L. Brown High School and a lifelong resident of Kannapolis. He proudly served his country in the Army and obtained the rank of staff sergeant. He was a longtime member of Midway United Methodist Church where he volunteered with various food programs for those in need.

Don retired in 1999 after 40+ years at Cannon Mills. Don and Kay enjoyed making memories and spending time with their family, church family, friends and neighbors who they loved dearly. Don’s favorite place was when he was with his family and enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and going to the beach.

Those whom Don leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 69 years, Kay Hester Crainshaw Nesbitt, who now resides at The Compass Health Care Center in Spencer. His brother, Ivan Nesbitt (Zinda) of Mooresville, NC. His two children, Eric Wayne Nesbitt (Jackie) of Salisbury, NC., and Chris Ryan Nesbitt (Lori) of Salisbury. He was well loved by his grandchildren ~ Bryson Nesbitt (Olivia) of Kannapolis, NC., Kennedy Nesbitt Link (Jesse) of Woodleaf, NC., Kinston Nesbitt (Raycia) of China Grove, NC., Gentry Nesbitt (Jordan) of China Grove, NC., Easton Nesbitt (Grace) of China Grove, NC., Landry Nesbitt Rivenbark (Isaac) of Salisbury, NC., Jantzen Nesbitt (McKenzie) of Lexington, NC., Katelyn Nesbitt (Ethan Young) of Kannapolis, NC., Caleb Nesbitt (Sydney) of Kannapolis, NC. Don was blessed with nine great-grandchildren ~ Brynn, Jeb & Palmer Link; Rhett & Adeline Nesbitt; Beckham & Denver Nesbitt; Tucker Nesbitt; Declan Nesbitt.

A funeral celebrating Don’s home-going will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove at 4:00 PM, with Pastor Steve Holshouser officiating. A military burial will follow Monday, June 1, 2026 at the Salisbury National Cemetery.

His family will receive friends at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home from 2:00-4:00 PM until the service time.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Nesbitt family.