Obituary of Donald Thomas Rountree

Donald “Donnie” Thomas Rountree of Cedar Grove, North Carolina passed away on March 22, 2018 at the age of 76.  

The first born of Tom and Eloise Rountree, Donnie loved his family and the Cedar Grove community.  In 1959 he graduated from Aycock High School, married his high school sweetheart and started farming.  Confident in the future, he said they were going to live off of “love and taters.”   He was a faithful and active member of the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, the Cedar Grove Ruritan Club and the extended community he considered home.  He had a deep faith and believed in the power of prayer – stating that it had carried him throughout his life.  

Donnie was self-employed, focusing on businesses that involved heavy equipment and interaction with people of all kinds – farming, landscaping, moving and flea markets.  He could not resist an auction or sale, especially if it included antiques, collectables or equipment.

Donnie could always be found working behind the scenes to make a community event successful or help a friend in need.  Donnie made friends easily, recently informing a nurse that he had 10,003 friends – but that may just be in Orange County.  Donnie saw the value in everyone and paid attention to who needed a smile, a basket of fruit, a dining room set, a funny story or a friend. 

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Eloise Rountree; and his wife Vivian McCullock Rountree.  He is survived by his sons Troy Rountree (Angie) of Cedar Grove, Joseph Rountree (Deanna) of Hurdle Mills and Don Rountree (Lori) of Hurdle Mills; grandchildren Cheyenne Rountree, Lani Rountree, Colby Rountree, Lucas Rountree, Calli Rountree Peters (Austin) and Ava Rountree; step-grandchild Haley Clark; great-granddaughter Tali Peters; brother Larry Rountree (Joy Albright) of Mebane and sister Annette Rountree Taylor (Mike) of Apex.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from 3pm to 7pm at the Cedar Grove Ruritan Club, 6116 Efland-Cedar Grove Road, Cedar Grove, NC.  The funeral and graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 3 pm at the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 5218 Efland-Cedar Grove Road, Cedar Grove, NC.  Following the service family and friends are invited to gather at the Ruritan Club. 

The family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of love shown by so many through prayer, food, visits, cards and calls.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, 5218 Efland-Cedar Grove Road, Cedar Grove, NC 27231 or to Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215.

A fitting tribute to Donnie would be for you to give a smile or helping hand to someone.