The Rev. Donald P. Colvard, 96 of the Franks Creek community of Robbinsville, N.C., went home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021.
He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late Thomas Jefferson Colvard and Maude Phillips Colvard.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first love, and mother of his children, Ruth Hardin Colvard, after 43 years of marriage; his wife of 27 years, Vernell Carver Colvard; his son, Gary Lamar Colvard; daughter-in-law, Angie Colvard; great-grandson, Lane Adams; sisters, Inez Buchanan and Fannie Hyde, and brother, Jimmy Colvard.
Donald was an ordained Minister and has pastored in Graham and Cherokee counties since 1957. He was also a Veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served his country during WWII.
He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Larry and Juanita Colvard of Robbinsville, N.C., Tony Colvard of South Carolina, and Phillip H. Colvard of Robbinsville, N.C.; daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and David Adams of Ellijay, Ga., and Naomi and Joe Edwards of Robbinsville, N.C.; daughter-in-law, Cathy Colvard of Robbinsville, N.C.; sister, Evelyn Flores of California; step-children, Lamar and Sandra Carver of Robbinsville, N.C., Allen and Peggy Carver of Robbinsville, N.C., Dottie and Sonny Vuick of South Carolina, and Ruby and Jim Lequire of North Carolina; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
In addition, Donald considered all his former and current church members as family, as well as his care giver, Sandy Moody and numerous fishing buddies.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, at the Townson-Smith Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Mickey Stewart officiated.
Burial followed the service at Wiggins Cemetery, where the U.S. Naval Honor Guard conducted Military Rites and Flag Presentation.
The family received friends from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the chapel, prior to the service.
One of Donald’s favorite quotes was “Give Flowers to the Living,” so in his memory, the family requests, that in lieu of flowers you commit a random act of kindness or give to someone in need.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home was honored to serve the Colvard family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.