Donald “Don” Gray Sutphin, age 75, of the Union Cross community in Kernersville passed away on Friday, August 19, 2016 at his home following four years of declining health. He was born on September 11, 1940 in Charlotte, NC to Harvey Lee and Rena Flippin Sutphin, who preceded him in death. Also, preceding him in death were his brothers and sisters: Wilbur, Raymond, twin brother Ronnie, Ruby Mathis and Betty Cummings and his special mother-in-law, Ina Weavil Blackwell. Don is survived by his loving wife Jane Blackwell Sutphin and very wonderful daughter, Jill Sutphin, his Chihuahua baby, Abby and sister-in-law Judy Sutphin. Also surviving are nieces, Peggy Thomas, Barbara Brandt, Patricia Fetter and nephew, Wray, his three god-children—Sonya Rose, Brian Weavil and Jennifer Brantley (children of Beverly Weavil and the late Ken Weavil), his “adopted” family—Hugo, Marianne, CC and Cameron Casas. He also leaves behind his special friends who were just like family, Delbert and Becky Lauten, Junior and Nancy Clodfelter and Beverly Weavil. Don was a graduate of Mineral Springs High School, Davidson Community College and a 1974 graduate of UNC Charlotte and he was very proud to be a 49er. He served in the US Navy on the USS Valley Forge. Don loved teaching drafting and design and all related courses at Davidson Community College, Texas State Technical College in Amarillo, Texas, Michelin Tire in Greenville, SC and then retired after 20 years of service from Forsyth Technical Community College in 2006. It was his delight to see his students excel and did his very best to prepare them for a successful future. He was a very active member of Union Cross Baptist Church and dearly loved all his friends there. He served over the years on many committees, Sunday School teacher, played on the men’s softball team, coached the women’s softball team, and most honored to be elected deacon on several occasions. Don was a special person who loved his Lord, his family and his friends and always brought love and joy to those around him even as his health began to fail him. He will be honored with a Celebration of Life service at Union Cross Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Dennis Hester officiating. A graveside will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 at Hayworth Miller Funeral Kernersville Chapel. His family would like to suggest that memorials be directed to the Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center, 231 Melrose Street, Winston-Salem NC 27103 or to the Senior Moments Fund at Union Cross Baptist Church, 4350 High Point Road, Kernersville NC 27284, but the very best memorial to Don anyone could give is to live honorably and love God and others as much as he did. Both Jane and Jill would like to extend a special thank you to all those who loved and cared for Don and a heartfelt gratitude to Mary Bartell, his special caregiver who helped us in the last few weeks.