WILMINGTON — Ira Donald Page, “Don” of Wilmington, NC passed away peacefully Friday evening July 18, 2025 with his two daughters and son in law at his side.
Don was born on May 9, 1938 in Durham, North Carolina to Mildred and Ira Page. He graduated from Oak Ridge Military Academy in Oak Ridge, NC before joining the U.S. Army, where he served honorably.
In 1965, Don married the love of his life, Carolyn Meachum, also from Durham, NC. The couple settled in Durham where they raised their two daughters, Jennifer and Lisa.
Don worked as a Realtor with his father Ira at Page Realty in the Wellon’s Village neighborhood of Durham. Upon retirement in the late nighties, he and Carolyn moved to Carolina Beach, NC and later to Kure Beach, NC where Carolyn passed away in 2015. They were married for 50 years.
Don had a great love of outdoors and animals. His parents lived on a hobby farm in rural Durham for the latter part of his childhood which Don helped work. After Don and Carolyn married, they built their first home across the road from his parents’ home place. Four beautiful ponds dotted the collective family property which were great for gazing, fishing, swimming and ice skating. Don enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, photography and especially woodworking later in life. Don was very much a do-it-yourselfer and was good at working with his hands.
At his home in Durham where he and Carolyn raised their family, he also took care of several species of ducks, swans, guinea fowl, a crazy American saddle horse named Trigger, and two ponies, one of which bore two very stubborn mini-mules. There were also several beloved dogs and cats.
Don lived all of 2025 at The Commons of Brightmore Assisted Living where he lost his battle with cancer.
Don is survived by his second wife of 6 years, Yvonne Johnson, his daughter Jennifer Carol Page (Jim Rees), daughter Lisa Carol Page, granddaughter Emma Carol Page (Lisa’s daughter), and his sister Janice Carol Page Scarborough (Rick Scarborough).
He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Page in 2015, his parents Ira Henry Page and Mildred Pugh Page, and his brother in laws; LC Meachum, Larry Meachum, and Donald Meachum.
Don will always be remembered for the deep love he had for his family, his generosity, his silly and mischievous sense of humor, all the stories about his high jinks and the joy and laughter he brought to those around him. Dad could almost always manage to muster up some sharp wit even during the most difficult times of late. He is also remembered for his delicious hot dog chili which rivals the best hot dog joints of Durham, NC.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and and condolences during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be held at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Center, Riverview Restaurant on Sunday, Aug 3rd from noon to 3pm. Dress is beach casual.
