Donald J. Scheer
September 7, 1935 ~ December 3, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Donald J. Scheer was born on September 7, 1935, in the Bronx, New York. He graduated William Howard Taft High School in 1953. Upon graduation, he accepted full academic scholarships to college and attended two prestigious universities for his undergraduate work; The New School for Social Research and New York University. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Creative Writing. Donald later completed his Master's Degree in Public Health at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a minor in Thai. He proudly served in The United States Army from 1955-57. With his remarkable writing talent, he was chosen to serve his two years as a speechwriter for many notable colonels.
Following his years in college and the military, Donald began his extraordinary career with the federal government. He rose to the position of the Director of Health and Human Services for the Southeast region of the United States. During his years with the federal government, he lived in New York, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Thailand. Donald's career led him to Thailand for three years in the mid-1960's, where his role included setting up rural hospitals throughout the impoverished country. From 1976-1980, he was also a trusted policy writer for President Jimmy Carter during his administration. In 1985, Donald retired from his government position after twenty five, fulfilling years of public service. Up until his death, Donald continued to write short stories and publish articles for magazines and many notable journals. His short story, "The Diagnosis," was featured in Tim Russert's book, Wisdom of Our Fathers. The Florida Acting Company also recognized his vision and talent in this eloquently written short story and decided to turn it into an award winning, one-act play.
Above all else, we will remember Don as a humble and gracious giver of his time and resources, and we will continue to marvel at his great intelligence and extraordinary sense of humor that went hand-in-hand. Through life's ups and downs, he kept us all laughing for 81 unforgettable years!
Donald Scheer was predeceased by his parents, Saul and Ethel Scheer, and his sister, Elinore Scheer Stern (Fred). The light of his life, his four surviving daughters: Stacy Scheer Branning of Asheville, NC, Lincy Aynes Norman of Marietta, GA, Lisa Aynes McDuffie (Allen) of Newnan, GA, and Merrilee Aynes Gober (Fred) of Atlanta, GA.
Donald's beloved niece: Cindy Stern Chaplain (Stephen), of New York, NY. Grandchildren: Leila Norman Meadows, Georgia Norman, William Norman, Michael Gober, Charles Gober, Drew McDuffie and Kelsie McDuffie. Great Nieces: Elizabeth Chaplain and Caroline Chaplain. Great grandchild: Myka Meadows.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Rd. is assisting the family.
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My deepest sympathies to the Scheer family. I am very sorry for your loss. I know that your family is mourning the loss of a dear loved one. This indeed is a very painful time. Please accept my sympathies. Rest assured that our loving God, Jehovah is certainly aware of how you’re feeling. In His Word, the Bible, he promises to raise up the dead through the beautiful hope of a resurrection. (Acts 24:15) May ‘the God of comfort’ give you the strength to get through the days ahead. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4)