June 7, 2024, 80, Goldsboro —
Retired Master Sergeant Donald William Shaver, 80, of Goldsboro went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday, June 7, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Donald, affectionally known as “Don” was born on November 7, 1943, in Kannapolis, NC to Harold Shaver and Mae Hamby Shaver. Donald was educated in the Kannapolis School System, graduating from A.L. Brown High School in 1962. Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1963. Donald earned the distinction of being the first and only recruit to earn a perfect score on the military entrance exam at his hometown recruiting office. While serving his country, he obtained the rank of Master Sergeant before honorably retiring in 1984.
Donald enjoyed life to the fullest. Among his many loves were working on and restoring cars, going to the beach, fishing, painting, reading and piloting planes with loved ones, and of course, being an avid golfer. His love of golf spanned over 40 years, earning him numerous awards including the Masters Division and Master Club Championships. His golfing abilities were well known in Wayne County.
Don joined Bethel Church in Goldsboro, NC in March 2014 under the leadership of former Pastor Steve Holder. He served faithfully on the Connection Team and was also an active member of J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) until his failing health.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mae Shaver, and his sister, Brenda Daniel.
He leaves to cherish his precious memory, loving and devoted wife, Janet, of the home; children, Robyn Pecora (Tom), Apex, NC and Bretton Shaver (Teresa), Goldsboro, NC; stepchildren, Alycia Brewer, Ayden, NC and Ronald Brewer, New Bern, NC; grandchildren, Austyn Herndon, Gabriel Jordan Meyer (Holly) and Michael Broadie; loving mother-in-law, Mrs. Lucy Lane of Snow Hill, NC; brothers-in-law, Johnny Daniel of Kannapolis, NC and Clifton Lane (Darlene) of Greenville, NC; niece, Lori Grimes (Steve) of Kannapolis, NC; his devoted friend, Mrs. Keisha Neal of Goldsboro, NC and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro. Burial with full military honors will follow at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff of Gentiva Hospice for all their care and compassion given to the family during this difficult time.
Professional services are entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.
