Donald E. Ames

Donald E. Ames, of Atlantic Beach, FL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on October 21, 2025. Don was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 18, 1936, to the late Clarence C. and Elizabeth Fountain Ames.

A true “beach boy,” he was the eldest of four children and spent his early years in Atlantic Beach. He graduated from Fletcher High School in 1954 where he was Class President and a member of the only state championship basketball team in the history of the school.

He attended the University of Florida and later transferred to Jacksonville University graduating in 1959. A student leader, he served as Vice-President of his graduating class, President of Circle K, founding President of the nation’s first undergraduate chapter of Toastmasters International, a member of Green Key Honorary Leadership Society, and named to Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges.

Just prior to graduation, he accepted an appointment as Assistant to the President which began his 35-year career with the University. He was named Vice-President for Development in 1980, was one of four executive officers responsible for institutional management, and was chief administrative officer for the University’s fundraising programs. He did graduate work at Boston University and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from what was at the time Southwest Florida College.

He was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America, named to Who’s Who in American Education, and received a Distinguished Service Award from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. He served on the board of the American Red Cross, was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, and a former member of the River Club and University Club. He was a dedicated member of Christ United Methodist Church in Neptune Beach, FL.

Although he enjoyed golf, he said it was often frustrating and took too much time out of his day. Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, along with camping trips when his children were young, Sunday dinners with family that included time at the beach, swimming in the pool and cooking on the grill, and watching basketball and football. Some of his happiest times were with his family and friends relaxing on the deck of his mountain home in Maggie Valley, NC, where he said he felt close to God.

The foundation of his life and work was always based on his strong faith, prayer, honesty, integrity, loyalty, generosity, and compassion. The greatest achievement of Don’s life is his legacy of love as a husband, father, and a fun-loving Granddaddy. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of more than 66 years, Mary Miles Ames, known to all as Mimi, their three daughters Elizabeth Ames Leavitt (Chris) of Jacksonville, Sheryl Denise Ames of Pittsboro, NC, and Lee Ames Kiley (Richard) of Davidson, NC, his son Travis Pendleton Ames of Atlantic Beach, and his beloved brother Daniel R. Ames. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne Leavitt Watterson (Clay) of Jacksonville, David Christian Leavitt (Betsy) of Ponte Vedra Beach, William Gaines Leavitt (Sarah) of Charlotte NC, Graham Davis Kiley (Marianne) of Denver, NC, and Ella Gaines Kiley of Washington, DC, and six great- grandchildren, Miles, Hayes, and Grant Watterson, Leelee and Holly Leavitt, and Kennedy Kiley, along with cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Richard Manning Ames and his only sister Carolyn Mae Ames Harkema.

Although many people influenced Don’s life, he was always especially grateful for his mentors and close friends Dr. Helen L. Merrill, Dr. Franklyn A. Johnson, Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne, and Murrell Coker.

A private graveside service for family was held at Warren Smith Cemetery in Jacksonville Beach. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church 400 Penman Rd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6