Rev. Donald Abshire

Rev. Jesse “Donald” Abshire, Sr., age 87 of Boones Mill went to be with our Lord on Monday, February 1, 2010 after several years of illness. He was born on October 4, 1922. He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Delia Abshire also of Boones Mill. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Colleen Trent Abshire; his son, J.D. Abshire and wife Debbie; his daughter, Yvonne and husband Donnie Hodges; grandchildren, Beth Anne Deems and husband Michael, Naomi Arthur and husband Alan, Jessica Gardner and husband Cabell, and Whitney and Celeste Hodges; seven great-grandchildren, Tyler and Mikey Deems, Koen and Paxton Arthur, and Abby, Aydin, and Anna Lily Gardner. Donald is also survived by his sisters, Claudine Mizak and Janet Guilliams; also his brother, John L. Abshire, Jr. and wife Janet, as well as many nieces and nephews. Donald was a World War II Veteran and was a self-employed orchardist in Boones Mill. He was also the founding pastor of Grace Brethren Church of Boones Mill where he later retired in 1988; after which he attended Boones Mill Baptist Church. Donald was a Godly example to his family and all those who knew him. He was a faithful pastor, leading many souls to the Lord. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 11 a.m. Thursday with Rev. James Steele, Rev. Ralph Miller and Mr. John L. Abshire, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Many thanks to friends, neighbors and Carilion Hospice Service of Roanoke, Va. for your continued love, kindness and support. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Wednesday with his family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount.