Mr. Donald Alexander Loy, 78, of Friendship-Patterson Mill Road, Burlington, died Friday morning at Alamance Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
A native of Alamance County, he was the loving husband for 55 years of Gladys Graves Loy, who survives, and the son of the late Robert Earl Loy Sr. and Ida Holt Loy. He was a contractor, farmer, and faithful friend and helper to his neighbors and community. He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church.
He was happiest when surrounded by his family. In addition to his wife of the home, he is survived by five children, JoAnne Carter of Mebane, Sharron Butler and husband, David, of Snow Camp, Greg Loy and wife, Karen, of Burlington, Drew Loy of Burlington, and Sandra Wood and husband, Jim, of Burlington.
Survivors also include seven siblings, Edward Loy of Mooresville, Harold Loy and wife, Montie, Dewitt Loy and wife, Doris, Warren Loy, Earl Loy Jr.. and wife, Pauline, Wade Loy and wife, Millie, and Elizabeth Combs and husband, Ted, all of Burlington. He was the proud and doting "Paw-Paw" to Brian Carter (Wendy), Daniel Carter (Penny), Kelly Butler, Janna Wimbish (Chris), Mindy Cates (Jason), Suzanne Sharpe (Jason), Paul Carter, Ross Wood, and Mason Wood; and great-grandchildren, Brandy, Megan, Tucker, Hunter, Emily, Ashley, Summer, and Chase.
His sisters-in-law, Sarah Francis Loy and Muzette Loy preceded him in death.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, farm, and garden. He was a southern gentleman who had not forgotten the art of conversation. He never met a stranger, and his generosity was an example to his friends and family. He loved to build houses, work the fields and garden, and laugh with his children and "grandbabies." Hunting and fishing were his favorite hobbies and he leaves behind a legacy of good sportsmanship. He valued God’s gift of nature, and he taught his family to respect and treasure it. He left this world to meet his Savior holding the hand of the only woman he ever loved. He will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends at Rich & Thompson in Burlington from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, and other times at the home. The funeral will be held at Friendship United Methodist Church on Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. The burial will be in the church cemetery following the service.
Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, N.C. 27215.
