Donald Bain Stilwell, Jr., of Mayodan, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 1, 2015 at Hospice of Rockingham County.A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the Mayodan United Methodist Church at 501 West Main St., Mayodan, NC 27027, with Pastor Rick LaBaube officiating, assisted by Dr. John Crowe.Mr. Stilwell was born on October 5, 1919 in Mecklenburg County, NC. After graduating from Central High School in Charlotte, NC, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from The Citadel in Charleston, SC. Upon graduating in 1941, he entered the United States Army and served in World War II, where he earned the rank of Major and was awarded the Bronze Star. After returning home from the war, Mr. Stilwell continued his education at North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Textiles and he remained a loyal Wolfpack fan for the rest of his life. He moved to Mayodan, NC in 1947 and began work at Washington Mills Company (Tultex), where he remained until his retirement. It was in Mayodan that he met Patricia Padgett, whom he married on July 17, 1948 and with whom he spent fifty happy years.Mr. Stilwell was a faithful member of the Mayodan United Methodist Church from the time he moved to Mayodan until his death. He served as the church Treasurer for twenty-one consecutive years. He also served as Trustee and Sunday School teacher for the Men’s Class. He was a Lay Speaker when the pastor was away. For his continued devotion and service to the church, he received a Laity Service Award in 2004. He served on the school board for the Madison-Mayodan City Schools from 1958-1978 and was for many years its chair. He also served on the board of the Rockingham Community College Foundation for many years.He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by his family and friends, just as he was greatly loved in life.He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroline Patricia Padgett Stilwell; his parents, Donald Bain Stilwell, Sr. and Betty Hatcher Stilwell and his sister Mary Ann Stilwell Smith. He is survived by his children, Donald B. Stilwell, III and wife Martha A. Stilwell of Battle Creek, MI, T. Dixon Stilwell of Mayodan, NC, Susan Stilwell Barham and husband Ottis Rutley “Ed” Barham, Jr. of Culpeper, VA and Lynn Stilwell Harrington and husband Harry A. “Zan” Harrington of Apex, NC; his grandchildren, Brad Stilwell, Danielle Stilwell, Caroline Barham Deakin and husband James Deakin, Lily Barham, Grier Harrington, Padgett Harrington and Allie Harrington; his great-grandson, Conor Ray Grandstaff and friend and caregiver, Dorothy Townes.The family will receive friends from 6 until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Mayodan United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to Operation Smile, Mayodan United Methodist Church, or Hospice of Rockingham County.Colonial Funeral Home in Madison, NC is serving the family. Condolences may be offered at www.colonialfh.net
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