Donnie Reason

Donnie Preston Reason, 77, of Wilson, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, with family at his bedside.

He was the first born and son of the late Preston Reason and Dorothy Hinson Reason.

Donnie graduated from Greene Central High school in 1967. He then attended Wilson Tech where he received a trade degree in business. In the 1970's Donnie started his career in Insurance sales where he was quickly promoted to regional district manager. Donnie left his management role and relocated his family back to Wilson where he and his business partner opened their own company with Life & Casualty. Donnie wore of sales and opened his own plumbing business in 1992. His health declined and was forced to retire in 2021.

He was a selfless kind-hearted, caring man his entire life. He selfishly gave to others in need whether it was family friends or a stranger he encountered, including serving as primary caregiver to his disabled son for the last 30 years.

Donnie had a deep passion for sports. He loved football, baseball, racing, wrestling, and golf. Given Donnie's love of family and sports, he coached his children in all the sports they played through Wilson recreation center. He led many of his children's teams to multiple championships in basketball and baseball. His love for his family was renewed in a different exciting way when his grandchildren were born. They became the center of his world. There was nothing they went without when they asked Gampa, which was always given with his humorous personality and in his comfy recliner while they sat in his lap.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Melva Pridgen Reason; daughter, Candace Reason Barron of Wilson; sons, Preston Reason (Shelia) and Kevin Reason of Wilson; grandchildren, Allen Barron, Lauren Barron, and Abby Reason; twin sister, Connie Johnson (Zeb) of Snow Hill and twin sisters, Brenda Hill (Ellis) of Snow Hill and Glenda Reason of Kenly; brother, Jerry Reason (Pam) of Goldsboro, and several nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Preston and Dorothy Hinson Reason.

To honor the request of their patriarch, the family will not be holding a public service. A service for the immediate family will be held in Snow Hill later this week.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to Wilson Memorial Service to assist with end-of- life expenses or to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Ct, Goldsboro, NC 27534 to stock the family dining room with snacks and drinks for other families at the facility there with their loved ones.

Visitors are welcome at the family home this week between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

The family would like extend a special thank you to his nurse's and caregivers at Hospice of Wilson and Kitty Askins Hospice for providing comfort, peace and care to Donnie.

Arrangements by Wilson Memorial Service, 2811 Fieldstream Dr. N, Wilson, 237-7171; www.wilsonmemorialservice.com