As America wound down its Independence Day Celebration, Donald Seagle gained his independence from his ravaged body and is now in the arms of his Savior.

On March 14, 1923, Donald was born to Lon and Artie Jones Seagle in Jackson County, NC. Soon to follow was sisters, Blanche and Jetty, twin brothers, Paul and Silas, then little sister Maggie.

The Great Depression hit the family full force along with the rest of the country. Donald worked hoeing corn in fields along the Tuckaseegee River near their home on Barkers Creek.

Sometime in the early 40's, he met the love of his life while visiting his Aunt on Corbin Road in Franklin, NC. Upon hearing he was being shipped overseas, he mailed an engagement ring to his sweetheart. On August 4, 1945, Dorothy Corbin was married to Donald and that would become a 71 year marriage. This union ended on January 14, 2017 with her death.

Donald went to Western Carolina Teacher College, obtained his teaching degree and later his Masters Degree in Education. He began his teaching career at Cartoogechaye Elementary School under Principal J. Norman West and then became principal at Cowee Elementary for most of his teaching career. After working in the Superintendent's Office under H. Bueck, he finished his career at Cullasaja Elementary and then retired.

With a wife and three kids to support, he worked several summer jobs to supplement his income. Some of these jobs were at Baldwin's Supermarket for Mr. Gus Baldwin, Nantahala Creamery and filling smudge pots on road construction projects. He also immersed himself in the Holly Springs Community serving as a deacon in the Holly Springs Baptist Church as well as many other capacities. The Community Club benefited from his service as President for many years.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Donald was preceded in death by his sister Jetty Cope and brothers Paul and Silas Seagle. He is survived by two daughters, Brenda Seagle and Karen Vanhook (Ronnie) and one son Donnie Seagle (Nancy) all of Franklin; five grandchildren, Sherri Houston, Todd Seagle, Rodney Vanhook, Lori Seagle Green and Kara Vanhook Hollowell and 9 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Maggie Buchanan (Raleigh) of Franklin, Blanche Brooks of State Road, NC: sisters-in-law Lattie Mae Keeter (Jack) of Salisbury, NC; Lorraine Powell of Fayetteville, GA; Linda Seagle of Brevard, NC and Wilma Corbin of Franklin, NC and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, July 9th at Holly Springs Baptist in Franklin, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Donnie Seagle, Brandon Breedlove, Judson Hall and Jack Hollowell will officiate with American Legion Post 108 providing graveside rites.

Pallbearers will be Todd Seagle, Jesse Seagle, Ronnie Vanhook, Rodney Vanhook, David Green, David Hollowell, Gene Williamson, Larry Corbin, Keith Corbin and Randy Keeter.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 8th from 6-8 p.m. at Macon Funeral Home in Franklin.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Holly Springs Church Cemetery in memory of Don Seagle.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome. com