Donald Wayne Proffitt

LCdr USN (Ret.) Donald Wayne Proffitt, Sr., 69 of Wirtz, Virginia passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015. "Big Daddy Prof" went peacefully home to heaven after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. His wife and children were by his side. Don was born on February 6, 1946 to the late Hugh and Lola Proffitt in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1964. He served 2 years in the US Navy as a gunner?s mate aboard the USS Buchannan during the Vietnam Conflict. He received a BA in Business Administration from Wichita State University in 1972. Don was commissioned as a naval officer in 1974 and retired in 1992. After retiring, Don worked at Milcom, a government contractor, for 20 years. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association (AOPA), the Sons of Confederate Veterans (Magruder-Ewell 99, Newport News) and a life member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Left to cherish his memory is his wife and best friend of 48 years, Jeanne "Elaine" (Shanline) Proffitt. Don is also survived by his two children, Donald Wayne Proffitt, Jr. of Louisiana and Jennifer Proffitt Bowden, of Chatham, Va.; son-in-law Chris Bowden; five grandchildren, Sara Elaine Bowden, Andrew Christopher Bowden, Samantha Ann Bowden, Matthew Christopher Bowden and Hanna Elizabeth Bowden; one brother, Hugh Mann Proffitt III, of Wichita, Kansas. Don made everything in life an adventure and was loved by everyone for his sense of humor, big heart, and his generosity. Don was a history buff with an incredible memory for names, dates and details. His favorite past times were being at home tending to his vegetable gardens, grilling out, riding his motorcycles and spending time with his family. "Papa" was adored and admired by his loving grandchildren. He was a hero, a man of character, dedicated to his family and so much fun to be with. Private graveside service with military honors were held 11:00 a.m. Monday April 6, 2015 with Pastor Kendell Smith officiating in the Family Cemetery. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/ Smith Mountain Lake.