On Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Donald Lee Naylor gave up time for eternity. In sweet peace, he departed this life of 91 years at the Pine Acres Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lexington, North Carolina. We, his family members and friends, bow in humble submission to the Will of God.


Donald was the son of the late Warner Milton and Percy Foote Naylor. He graduated from Davie County Training School. After high school, he attended Livingstone College for one year and enlisted in the U.S. Army. While in the Army National Guard, Donald was a helicopter mechanic and earned a Business Administration Certificate from Winston Business College, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Later in life, Donald attended and graduated from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. While serving his country honorably in the Army during the Vietnam War, Donald received the following honors: the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, NCO Professional Development Ribbon w/num 3, NCNG Service Award, and Rifle MI6AI - Expert Marksman.



He was a former member of Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church, Mocksville, North Carolina. He enjoyed watching, playing and refereeing football, basketball and umpiring baseball and softball. Donald was also a Scout Master and bus driver for the Piedmont Coach Lines of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He supported the youth centers in Winston-Salem with school supplies. He found joy in teaching and serving as a mentor for all those who were willing to learn. Donald also was proud of his lawn service.



He was preceded in death by his wife, Zelda Flint Naylor; seven brothers: Vernon Naylor, Charlie Naylor, Bynum Naylor, John Lewis Naylor, William Henry Naylor, Rudolph Naylor and Earl Eugene Naylor ; and one grandson, James Nicholas Naylor.


A man of wit, friendliness and capability, Donald Lee Naylor - father, grandfather, uncle, was admired by all who knew him.



Donald committed himself to the preservation of his family's history which he helped to preserve and retell. He leaves to cherish the memory of his life, his sons: Donald K. Naylor of Mocksville, North Carolina, Tyrone K. (Selina) Naylor of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, James K. (Angela) Naylor of Mocksville, North Carolina and Milton K. Naylor of Mocksville, North Carolina; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 12:30 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Roberts Funeral Service (Mocksville) with moments of visitation at 12:00 PM prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Salisbury National Cemetery.