Donald E. Sloan, 87, of Hayesville went to his eternal homecoming Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022.
Donald was born Jan. 22, 1935 to Helen and Theodore Sloan and was their only child.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen Sloan, and was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Gayle.
Also surviving are daughters Donna Gayle Lester (Elvis) and Pamela Beth Sudul, of Brandon, Fla.; son Donald Sloan Jr. (Gretchen), of Acworth, Ga.; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Donald's extended family includes his step-daughters, Sherri Condron (Martin), Angela Hardy-Jones and step-son Shawn Hardy, along with five step-grandchildren.
Donald received a masters degree from Carson-Newman University and University of Florida. He spent many years teaching English and Spanish. He was a gifted teacher and his students loved him. He always made sure they knew he loved them and so did Jesus.
One of Don's passions was soccer, mostly as a coach and sometimes announcer. He also enjoyed announcing football games both for high school and at the Tampa Stadium.
Donald led many mission trips for Bell-Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, Fla. and knows now how many souls are with him there in Heaven because of his willingness to give and to go.
The family will receive visitors at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at New Life Church, Hayesville.
A celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23 at New Life Church. Pastor Greg Carroll will officiate.
The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to New Life Church, P.O. Box 742, Hayesville, N.C. 28904 to be used for a mission trip to Ghana or to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 164, Murphy, N.C. 28906.
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me, Matthew 25:40.
Cochran Funeral Home: www. www.cochranfuneralhomes.com assisted the family with arrangements.