Donald Lee Forney, age 69, of Newton passed away April 26, 2025 at Catawba Valley Medical Center. He was born March 14, 1956 in Lincoln County, son of the late Booker T. Forney and Mattie Whitener Forney. He was a truck driver for a delivery company. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers; Ralph Forney, Rob Forney, Leon Forney, Walter Forney, Johnny Forney, Dean Forney and Booker Forney and sisters; Mildred Forney and Mattie Ashe.

He is survived by:

His wife: Lorette McCleave Forney of the home

Daughter: Shery Sydnor and husband, Deangelo of Lawndale

Grandsons: Montez Parker and Mikah Sydnor of Lawndale

Brothers: Bennet Forney of Shelby and James Forney of Lincolnton

Sister-in-laws: Nettie Kincaid (Lee) of Newton, Lisa Shipp (Lewis) of Charlotte, Doris Harris of Maiden and Doris McCleave (Joe) of Lincolnton

Favorite Niece: Roxann Forney of Lincolnton

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 4, 2025 in the Chapel of Burke Mortuary in Newton with Rev. Albert Hillman officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:45 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. Private burial will be held in the Salisbury National Cemetery.

Burke Mortuary & Crematory of Newton is serving the Forney family.