Donald “Don” Raymond Markofski, 85, of Mooresville, N.C., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 5, 2022. He was born on February 22, 1937, in Luzerne County, Pa., to the late Walter and Mary Ripski Markofski.
He graduated from Furman University with a biology degree. While at Furman, he met the love of his life, Suzanne. He was a scholarshipped, four-year letterman in football, playing both offense and defense earning the nickname, “Durable Don.” In addition to football, Don was in the Army’s ROTC program at Furman and entered military service upon graduation as a 2nd Lieutenant. He attended Airborne and Ranger School then served at Ft. Bragg in the 82nd Airborne as a Scout Platoon Leader. He was a 1st Lieutenant and was on the Captain’s List when he transitioned to the civilian world. He was a member of Mooresville First Baptist Church and sang in the choir.
Don worked for Burlington Industries for 40 years and lived in Greensboro, Vinton, Va., Bristol, Tenn., Little Silver, N.J., Manhattan, N.Y., and the third time stayed in Mooresville following his retirement. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, air shows and was a big fan of the Carolina Panthers. He loved his family and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Suzanne Watson Markofski; children, Stephanie Coleman (Ty) of Wesley Chapel, N.C., Donald “Mark” Raymond Markofski Jr. (Sharon) of Mooresville, Steve Markofski (Beth) of Irvine, Calif.; grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Parker, Scott, Taylor, Kyle, and Max; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Evan, Isaac.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home with Rev. Eddie Hicks officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House 1325 Mecklenburg Highway, Mooresville, NC 28115 or Ministry of Music of First Baptist Church Mooresville 150 S. Church Street, Mooresville, NC 28115.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.