WILMINGTON — Donald Kelvin Stacy was born to the late Lynn Lamar Stacy, Sr. and Henrietta Erminger Stacy in Jackson, Mississippi on March 31, 1953. He died May 25, 2023, at the age of 70 at Novant Medical Center in Wilmington, NC, after a brief illness.
Don is survived by his wife of 30 years, Marianna Boyette Stacy, sister Sue Stacy Dyess of Mobile, AL, two brothers, Richard Guy Stacy (Barbara) of Buford, GA and Lynn Lamar Stacy, Jr. (Brenda) of Plano, TX, 12 nieces and nephews, a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, and sister-in-law Marilyn Boyette of Chapel Hill, NC. Don was preceded in death by his sister, June Stacy Morrison (Hollis), of Glendale, CA.
When the Stacy family relocated to Mobile, Alabama in 1963, the young Donald’s competitive spirit and love for all sports became readily apparent. He was proud of his formative years as a school safety patrol guard, Little League baseball player and play-by-play announcer, and his seminal work at the Mobile Public Library.
After graduating in the Murphy High School Class of 1971, Don furthered his studies at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He would go on to earn a Master’s in library science from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Don’s keen intellect and exceptional organizational skills would define his 36-year career with the North Carolina Justice Academy, where he served in progressively responsible positions including Director of the Learning Resource Center from 1978-2001; manager of Instructional Support Services from 2001-2006; and Deputy Director of Operations/Chief Budget Officer from 2006 until his retirement in 2014.
In recognition of his exemplary service, Don received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian recognition in the state of North Carolina, and the Outstanding Criminal Justice Professional Award from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Association. At its first General Session of 2023, the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature inducted Donald Stacy as an alternate delegate for New Hanover County.
While Don’s professional career was a source of pride, he loved the simple comfort of the home he and Marianna shared in Wilmington for 30 years, including beloved pets and several well-worn recliners. He especially enjoyed supporting Marianna to host the Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival benefiting Volunteer Older Citizens Action League (VOCAL), a nonprofit dedicated to providing funding for the New Hanover County Senior Center.
A great conversationalist, Don kept abreast of current events through his passion for reading and news. He loved to travel and relished the annual Stacy family vacations to the Gulf coast of Alabama and to Florida. After he married, he and Marianna enjoyed annual vacations with his family in St. Augustine, FL, as well as holidays with the Boyette/Hobbs family of Clinton. Don loved exploring and satisfied his curiosity through travel. Some of his fondest memories were trips to the mountains of North Carolina, a Christmas train ride to New York City, and Caribbean cruises, among others.
He loved sports, especially Carolina football, basketball, and golf, Old Miss, and the New York Giants. He enjoyed playing golf at courses throughout southeastern North Carolina.
Don will forever be remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues for being a gentle man and a gentleman whose sharp wit and good-natured humor endeared him to many.
A celebration of Don’s life will be announced at a later date.
