Donnie Alan Slye
July 21, 1952 ~ May 9, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Donnie Alan Slye, 64, of Asheville, passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017.
A native of Harrisonburg, VA, Donnie was the son of the late Edward C. and Louise Pirkey Slye.
"Slye" graduated from UNCA with a bachelor's degree in biology. He worked for many years as the 7th grade science teacher at Owen Middle School. He enjoyed supporting the Owen High School girls softball team and watching his son play football. He was a member of and enjoyed spending time at Mack Kells, where he also worked for many years as he paid for his schooling. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, where he volunteered for many years as their Santa Claus during Christmastime.
Slye is survived by his sons, Charlie and Eddy Slye; sister, Diane Nichols (Roger); brother, Bucky Foley; niece, Jennifer Taylor; nephew, Chris Nichols; uncle, Kenneth Slye (Sherry); former wife, Terry Slye and her brother, Chuck Freeman; adopted family, Mary Jane Winfrey and John Bernhardt; best friend, Tony Sapp; his "houseful of boys;" and his two dogs, Bullet and Jackson.
Slye's family invites his friends to join them in celebrating his life on Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wild for Life: Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife, 33 Possum Trot, Asheville, NC 28806, or through their website, www.wildforlife.org/
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Please accept our sincere condolences as we were saddened to hear of
Syle passing away. Our prayers go out to Charlie,Eddie,Terry,and special
friend Drew.
He has no more pain ,or suffering,and is in God’s care.
May he rest in Peace
Slye touched everyone’s heart he met. He was truly a selfless soul. I enjoyed teaching with him so much and running into him after I left the profession. He had an infectious smile and made my heart happy. He will be missed by so many but so many are better people because of him.
He was a good man, an amazing teacher, and someone I am glad to have known.
He was my childhood friend, my classmate, and my long life friend. I will always remember the good times in the Burg with Donnie. He was a amazing person an someone that leaves me sad and sorry that I didn’t have a chance to say good bye. I hope he is in a better place an at peace. May GOD BLESS him and his family.
Slye used to be my boss at pizza hut and a really funny good friend. Loved him. He was so proud of his family and one of the nicest guys ever.
I enjoyed the time we had together at different places and had lots of fun joking around and having a friend like Slye, you were really blessed, because of his personality was so out going.. He will be missed a lot and hate to hear of his passing… R.I.P. my friend and many prayers to the family..
Slye and I worked at Office Environments for many years together, and there was never a dull moment! Not only was he an awesome co-worker…but a true friend. He had a heart of gold and all my memories of him are fun ones! He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of his company. I loved that man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Eddy and Charlie and the rest of Don’s family. I was blessed to have gotten to know Don going to football games where our son’s played. If you spent any time at all with Don, you knew how much he loved his boys and how important family was to him.
If there was ever an angel on earth, it was Slye. He leaves tender sweet memories with everyone who had the great fortune to know him.
Mr. Slye will always be one of my favorite teachers and biggest supporters. I could never talk to him without him cracking a joke or putting a smile on my face. He was loved by so many and will be missed greatly! I know he is dancing in heaven and I can’t wait to see him again.
Me. Slye was the most amazing man I’d ever met. I never got to be in his class but that didn’t stop him from proving to be one of the best teachers ever. Even though it’s been six years since I’ve played softball he still introduced me as one of the greatest softball players he’s seen. My favorite softball supporter and friend.
I love and miss you dearly Mr. Slye
I never ran into Slye that he didn’t have a smile, a hug, a joke, or most often, all three for me. Working with and being a friend to Donnie Slye was a privilege I will always cherish. He will be greatly missed.
Mr. Slye always knew what to say to make me laugh. He was one of the people that checked on me most, after my Transplant. There are literally not enough things to say about how absolutely amazing Mr. Slye was. He will be loved and missed so dearly, forever!!
My prayers Go out to the family during your time of loss.Mr. Slye was a great teacher and friend who helped me and my children during their middle school years.Such a great person.May the lord keep you always, Beverly Hausley and Family
Mr. Slye was an amazing man and teacher. He never wanted anything more than the best for his students. I will never forget when my mother worked for OMS and Mr.Slye would always ask if I had some cookies for him before class and he would chuckle and smile as I gave him one of my cookies. I always called him ‘Mr. Santa Claus’. You will truly be missed and my prayers and condolences go out to his family.
Mr. Slye was so much he did a lot of substituting and that’s where I know him from her was always happy and go lucky that’s why he made such a great Santa Claus, he will be missed and I’m most definitely going to much him, I’m praying for the family.
Slye, meet him in 1981 picking oranges on a friends farm near Lady Lake Florida. Watched his sons grow up. Too soon your daddy left us and I will always remember his smile and friendly hugs. Sending condolences to you Eddy and Charlie and Donnie’s family. Blessings.Henriette and David.
Slye was always a giving person. He welcomed everyone into his home. He was a father and brother to many who were not blood. He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace Donnie.
Mr. Slye was the funniest and kindest man. If you came across him, you couldn’t leave without smiling. He was a like second father to me, and would take the shirt of his back for anyone in need. He had a heart of gold and was a wonderful father. He was Owen’s #1 fan and one of the best teachers that ever taught in the valley. I always enjoyed spending time with him no matter what we were doing or where we were. Words can’t explain how much he will be missed. Love you to the moon and back!
slye was a awesome man. he enjoyed a good joke and stole many of mine during our time living through working at my brother’s mustache.
Mr.Slye always was smiling and laughing. So sad to see the loss of such a great man
Mr. Slye was an awesome teacher. He taught my sisters and they loved him. I loved how much he supported our schools sports teams. He always had a smile on his face and made everyone else smile. He will be greatly missed.
Condolences to Donnie ‘s family and many friends . He was an outgoing person and never met a stranger . Always had a great smile.
He was a great friend, had a heart of gold. how fun were our days together at HHS, the best prom ever, the Dirty Dozen, the summers of 1970-74, the Rainbow Ranch gang. There was only one, the original Big Rig. I feel as if a part of me is gone.I grieve for his passing. My heart goes to you, his family and community, for your loss.
Mr. Slye was one of my favorite teachers!! I’m saddened by this news and I would like to send my condolences out to everyone affected in this loss.
He will be greatly missed..
I am going to miss him. He’s gone way to soon,
prayers for all that loved him. I wish I could have
been there thinking of you all.
To Donnie’s Family—-Donnie was a wonderful person! I had the honor of working with him at Owen Middle, repairing the computer in his classroom as well as the ones he had at home. Had a phone call from him a week or so ago, and had planned on going to see him, but God knew best and took him home. He always had a smile on his face and enjoyed teaching. Such a great loss. May God grant his family peace and grace. Until we meet again…..
Both of my boys had the upmost respect for Mr Slye. They. Enjoyed his class and his participation and support of the football team. I didn’t personally know him but it is obvious from the love of so many students that he had a tremendous impact on our valley! Thank you Mr Slye!! RIP!!
God speed to a great man
Delbert, beaches, mountains, kids and laughter… all the things you loved will miss you now. What a wonderful heart you shared with us all!
Donnie was a wonderful person. I have known him since childhood and he was a good friend to my brother. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Mr. Slye was one of those teachers that leave a lifelong impact on a student. I had the honor of being in his 7th grade science class and I enjoyed every’?minute. As a football’? parent, he was always at the games when I played with Eddy. We will miss his willingness to give non judgemental advice on virtually anything and being a friend to all. My prayers go out to Charlie, Eddy, and the family. Rest in Peace Mr. Slye.
You were a blessing to so many people, a joy to work with and just made the world a better place. Thank you Slye. RIP
Mr. Slye taught two of our three children at Owen Middle. He was a great teacher and friend. He will truly be missed, but never forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Slye was such a wonderful friend over the years, so many good times and always a kind soul,an old soul. The world is a lesser place without him.
He was the first person I met when I moved to Asheville in ’78 round a pool table. Instant best friend. Never a dull moment when he was around. Don’t know that I’ve ever laughed so much or had a better time with anyone in my life as Slye. Rest In Peace my dear friend.
My thoughts are with Donnie’s family and their loss. I have fond memories of Donnie from Harrisonburg. I am glad he is no longer suffering and am sorry he is gone so soon.
So sad to lose such a dear person; we were blessed to have had him in our lives and will cherish our memories of playing, camping, hiking, laughing.
Our Owen community will miss Donnie Slye! I was privileged to co-teach a 6th grade math class with him about 15 years ago. He always had a positive attitude, a smile, and hearty laugh. What a great guy! Condolences to his sons and family!
Didn’t know you in your later years, but what I am reading you will be dearly missed, RIP Donnie, give your mom a hug when your souls meet.
Your babysitter many years ago..
Amen
We were so saddened to hear of Slye’s passing. He was a really great guy with a super sense of humor! It was an honor to have been acquainted with him. May God give the family strength to get through this difficult time. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My dear sweet friend Slye. I will miss you so much. So many great times we had at Mars Hill and afterwards. Always kept me laughing. Such a sweet soul. I’m so happy that I had the chance to tell you I loved you one more time.
While visiting family October 20 in Asheville, I was surprised and saddened to learn of Slye’s passing away at such a young age..he had a good soul.. I was in love with Slye some years ago in my twenty’s.. a beautiful baby girl was born, a daughter Chelcy, truly a gift from God.. Thank you Slye, for giving me such a precious gift. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time of loss, may God be your comfort.