John Thomas Jake Donaldson

Obituary: Rockwell, NC- John Thomas (Jake) Donaldson, age 70, died Monday, March 28, 2011 at his home after five months of declining health. He was born July 1, 1940 in Cabarrus County, NC, the son of the late John H. Donaldson and F. Irene Rodgers Donaldson. Jake was a 1958 graduate of A.L. Brown High School, Kannapolis, NC. Jake was owner/operator & partner with Hayward Gainey with Rowan Heating & Air Conditioning, Landis, NC. He had also worked with G & S Metal in Kannapolis, NC for over 25 years. He also worked part-time at Piedmont Metal in Landis, NC. His family fondly remembers his love of hunting, fishing, and especially camping with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wiley & Lillian Rodgers and his paternal grandparents, Tom & Laura Donaldson, his brother, Ben W. Donaldson and his sister, Della D. Roberts. The funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Whitley's Funeral Home Home Main Chapel, Kannapolis, NC officiated by his brother-in-law, Rev. Steve Pennington. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at the funeral home. Survivors include his wife, Sherry Pennington Donaldson; a daughter, Kimberly D. Eremie & husband, Jacob of Salisbury, NC; a son, Christopher B. Donaldson of Kannapolis, NC; grandchildren, Matthew, Emma, and Sam Eremie; a nephew, Doug Donaldson & wife, Penny of Kannapolis, NC; an aunt, Edith Blackwelder of Kannapolis, NC; an uncle, Edward Rodgers of Georgia; several cousins; and numerous nieces & nephews. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Roberta Baptist Church, 3301 Roberta Road, Concord, NC 28027. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 6:00-8:00 P.M. Wednesday March 30, 2011 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 1:00 P.M. Thursday March 31, 2011 Whitley's Funeral Home Main Chapel

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis, NC