Donald Ray "Don" Burton, 81, of Concord, North Carolina, was welcomed Home by his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, July 3, 2026, from the Salisbury VA Medical Center.

Don was born on January 13, 1945, in Davie County, North Carolina, to the late Terry Rice Burton, Sr. and Sadie "Ruth" Phelps Burton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, T.R. Burton, Jr. and James Vance Burton.

A memorial service celebrating Don's life will be held at Living Water Community Church in Kannapolis, NC on Saturday, July 11, at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Kevin Corl. The family will receive friends and family from 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Military honors and interment will be held at a later date at Salisbury National Cemetery.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Priscilla Burton; his sons, Shannon Burton (Anna) of Charlotte, Shawn Burton of Mooresville, and Stephen Burton (Kelly) of Dallas, Georgia; his seven beloved grandchildren, Ariel Corriher (Tyler), Spencer Burton, Lincoln Burton, Fletcher Burton, Kate Burton, Sam Burton, and Ben Burton; his cherished great-granddaughter, Presley Corriher; his brothers, Wayne Burton of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and Carlton Burton of Davie County; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Above all else, Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. "PawPaw" was one of the titles he treasured most. He showed his love by serving his family. Don had a remarkable mechanical mind and an uncanny ability to figure things out. He never ceased to amaze his family with the projects he could take on and bring to life. Whether he was building a backyard playset for his grandchildren, helping a son with a project, or tackling something others thought couldn't be done, he quietly found a way.

That same servant's heart extended to his church. Throughout the years, Don faithfully served wherever he was needed—as a Sunday school teacher, choir director, church clerk, greeter, and in countless other quiet acts of service. He never sought recognition; he simply believed in showing up and doing what needed to be done.

He also enjoyed spending time on the golf course and playing guitar, finding contentment in life's simple pleasures.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Years later, Don was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease as a result of Agent Orange exposure during his military service. Though Parkinson's changed much about the way Don lived, it never changed the kind of man he was. Throughout that journey, he was lovingly cared for by Priscilla, whose extraordinary love, unwavering devotion, and sacrificial service were, to all who witnessed it, nothing short of beautiful.

He served his country with honor, his family with humility, and those around him with a quiet generosity that never asked for recognition.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Living Water Community Church.