Donald Dwight Koontz

Donald Dwight Koontz, 72, passed away on July 31, 2024, in Winston Salem, NC in the presence of his loving wife, Audrey, of 52 years. The Palliative Care hospital nurse told her that he waited to go until she got there, and he did. Mr. Koontz had been in declining health for the past 6 years.

He was a devoted husband, father, and friend who left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He married his high school sweetheart whom he first saw at an outdoor Easter Service at Friedberg Moravian Church at age 15 and later at North Davidson High School where he used his lunch money to buy her a soft drink every day, often going without lunch just to impress her. They dated for 6 years before they married and stayed married for 52 years sharing in life's joys and sorrows while growing in their respect, love and admiration for each other. God later granted them a gift of a wonderful loving son, Adam Neal Koontz in 1976.

Donald began his life's choice of working with his father, James Stowe Koontz in the brick masonry business, having shown many creative talents of building often to the point of artisan with natural aptitudes in creativity and expertise which later came in handy when he and his wife built from the ground up their future home which displayed one of a kind handcrafted construction.

It took Donald and his wife 10 years to build their dream house because they didn't want to start their married life by having a huge mortgage wrapped around their neck and in the end, it paid off allowing them to focus more intently on their life together and enjoying each other throughout their remaining years.

Donald later became employed with the RJR Tobacco Company in the Industrial Truck shop where he enjoyed 31.3 years of dedicated service while making new and trusted friends there and retired October 29, 2010.

Donald kept in touch with all the friends he made at RJR throughout the years up until his health problems kept him from being able to visit them anymore. Known for his strong work ethic and loyalty, Donald always prioritized the health and safety of his co-workers and was always professional in everything he did. He was a disciplined and hardworking individual, reflecting traits that were solidly sustained in both his professional life and personal life.

Donald was an avid sportsman in his spare time, enjoying both hunting and fishing as well as being an immense music enthusiast by playing the bass guitar and lead guitars, which began when he played with a neighborhood group of young men calling themselves the "Flames Combo" in high school and continued throughout his Lifetime and often helped him relax as well.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Audrey Elizabeth Foltz Koontz (wife),

Adam Neal Koontz (son), Jennifer Kimel Koontz (daughter-in-law), Taylor Victoria

Kemp (granddaughter), Edna Mozelle Walser Koontz (mother), Gene Beck

(brother-in-law) and many cherished nieces and nephews. In addition to his loving canine companion (Bitsey) who brought him many numerous happy moments.

He was preceded in death by his father James Stowe Koontz (father), and Sheila Koontz Beck Smith (sister)

Donald had previously requested no formal service.

His family would like to take this time to remember him and wish to ask everyone to pray for their enormous loss as they begin to make the transition without him in their life.

The Koontz family would like to suggest that contributions in Donald's memory be made to the Humane Society of Davidson County who enabled the Koontz family to adopt Bitsey and also to the St. Jude Children's Hospital

Thanks also goes to the Palliative Care Unit in Forsyth Hospital.

Donald's life was a testament to his love for his family, and his friends, and he will be profoundly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

This obituary was written by his wife, Audrey