Donald Wayne Bost

Donald Wayne Bost, 73, of Mooresville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 4, 2025. He was born on January 20, 1952, in Cabarrus County to the late Eugene S. and Mary Livingston Bost.

Don was a 1970 graduate of South Rowan Senior High School and earned his associate’s degree from Wingate College before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1972. After serving 2 years at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Don returned home to Rowan County and continued his military service by transferring into the Air National Guard. He simultaneously set out on a path that led him to a lifelong career in public education. Don completed his education degree at Catawba College and found a second home at China Grove Junior High School where he held the title of teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. He earned his master’s degree in school administration from Appalachian State University. Don’s entire career in education, with the exception of nine months as assistant principal at South Rowan High School, was spent dedicated to the students, staff, and families of China Grove Middle School.

Throughout his educational career, Don impacted countless students, athletes, and teachers, many of whom became close friends. He was more than an administrator at China Grove Middle School. He treated the campus, its grounds, and its people as his second home and family. He took pride in its historical roots as the Rowan County Farm Life School and gave many tours to reunion groups. He insured the grounds of the campus and its athletic facilities were tended and groomed just as he did his own at home. He was a role model to its students and athletes and was a supporter and advocate for his colleagues and co-workers. Don was recognized for this work and these relationships by being awarded Principal of the Year for Rowan-Salisbury Schools in 2006 and the Wachovia Principal of the Year in 2007. Following his retirement in 2008, he was humbled by the naming of the school gymnasium in his honor. Don continued to be a supporter of community athletics and students throughout his lifetime.

Don’s public service did not end inside the boundaries of Rowan County. He completed his career in the Air National Guard simultaneously along with his educational career. For 20 years, he served his monthly duty and annual summer assignments with the Charlotte Air National Guard Base. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. In later years, Don served on the board of the Atwell Volunteer Fire Department and supported their work in his community.

Don grew up in and was baptised at Concordia Lutheran Church and upon marrying the love of his life, Sherry Smith Bost, transferred his membership and became a dedicated member of St. Enoch Lutheran Church, where he actively served until his passing. He served on multiple committees including the church council, property committee, and parish life committee. He, along with Sherry, were constant supporters of all the church’s programs and endeavors. Don was a member of both the chancel choir and handbell choir.

Don’s lifelong achievements were the roles of husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. He was their biggest supporter, their voice of reason, their strongest ally, and their calm in any storm. He leaves a void that will never be filled.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 35 years, Sherry Smith Bost and his father-in-law, Leroy Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Melissa Bost Morris (Jamie) of Mooresville and Meredith Bost of Kannapolis; grandsons, Garrett Morris and Brett Morris; mother-in-law, Geraldine Smith; sisters, Carolyn Michael and Toni Story; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Mr. Bost will be Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm at Whitley’s Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday, August 8, 2025 at 4:00pm at St. Enoch Lutheran Church in Kannapolis, conducted by Rev. Dale Cline and assisted by Rev. Wesley Smith.

Memorials may be made to St. Enoch Lutheran Church, 701 Campbell Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081.