Donald "Jack" DePriester

Donald Jack DePriester passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the age of 88. Jack was born in Michigan on January 8, 1936, the eldest son of Donald and Frances (Butler) DePriester. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. While at MSU, he met and fell in love with Judith (Judy) Wright, whom he married after fulfilling his post- college obligations to the U.S. Army. Over the years, the couple raised two children and enjoyed friends, travel, playing bridge, square dancing, and being active in their church. In retirement, Jack also enjoyed hiking, volunteer firefighting with the Glassy Mountain Fire Department, serving on the Blue Ridge Rural Water Company Board of Directors, supporting Centre Stage theater, restoring an antique tractor, and an occasional game of golf. Jack and Judy joined First Presbyterian church in 2013, where Jack participated in the Christian Men’s Fellowship, the Covenant Sunday Life Group, and served as a Stephen Leader, a Pastoral Visitation Minister, and a Greeter for services. He will be dearly missed by many. After 60 years of marriage, Judy preceded Jack in death on October 14, 2022. Jack was also preceded in death by his sister Judy (Gee) Gernatt, brother Jerry DePriester, and niece January (DePriester) Lapp. Jack is survived by his son, Douglas (Michelle) DePriester of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, his daughter, Ann (DePriester) Byrd of Iowa City, Iowa, his sister Jane (David) Morandini of Woodhaven, Michigan, and his nephews Bruce Gernaat and Timothy (Vicky) Gernaat of Kalamazoo, Michigan. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Harper Prayer Chapel at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Washington Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Glassy Mountain Fire Foundation or Centre Stage.