WILMINGTON — Dr. Donald Ray Garris, 78, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC.
He was born October 23, 1947 in Wilmington, the son of the late Thurman and Mamie Holden Garris
Donald is survived by his sister, Delane G. Miller and her husband, Calvin (deceased). Also, surviving are nephews, Ricky Miller (Karen) and their daughter Morgan Benton (Cameron) and their children Perry and Avery Benton, Dale Miller (Melissa) and their daughter Cassidy and her son Ryder, and Brice Miller (Cat) and their son Lorenzo. Also, a niece, Shannon Watkins who trimmed Donald’s beard and mustache often and her husband, Patrick (deceased) and her children Brittany May (Cody) and their children Candor and Brady and Brett Watts (Camryn). Also surviving is a special friend Lucia Innella whose company he enjoyed while listening to Beach Music in Myrtle Beach. Donald considered her company and the Beach Music especially enjoyable. Donald also had many close friends in the community in which he lived.
Don always liked joking around and as a graduate of Atkinson High School he was known as the class clown for all his joking.
Don was a graduate of Campbell College and East Carolina University. He worked hard and obtained his PhD in special education and worked with Special Education Kids all his working life. Don did a wonderful job with these kids in helping them to learn everyday life skills which they would need in order to survive in life.
There are no services planned as that was Donald’s wishes and he was ready to go up to heaven. Donald will be greatly missed on earth.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
