Donald Sherman Henley, Sr.

Donald Sherman Henley, Sr., age 94 of Asheboro passed away on January 12, 2026 at Moses Cone Hospital.

Donald was born on May 3, 1931 in Franklinville Township and was a lifelong resident of Randolph County. Even at 94, he was one of the toughest and most hardworking men around. Rest was not a word in his vocabulary, and he genuinely found joy in the simple, steady work of the land he proudly called home. Few things represented him better than his John Deere tractors, the hum of his sawmill, and his well-known red lumber truck, all symbols of a life spent working with purpose.

Donald proudly served his country as a veteran of the Korean War, a chapter of his life he enjoyed sharing with others. He had a soft spot for animals, especially his Tom cat and the countless dogs he had as pets over the years. He loved watching the deer on “The Ponderosa” and hosting fish fries with family and friends. He was a cornerstone of the community and he will be dearly missed.

A proud family man, Donald raised five sons: Donald Jr. “Donnie” (Maria) of Randleman, William “Billy” of Asheboro, Tim of Asheboro, David (Rachel) of Sophia, and Jason (Crystal) of Randleman. Of all the successes and things he accomplished in life, leaving a legacy of strength, perseverance, hard work and quiet kindness in his boys may be the greatest.

In addition to his sons, Donald is survived by his grandchildren: Samantha, Donald III, Amanda, Christopher, Nicholas, Spencer, Brent, Reagan, Anna, Thomas, and Brittany; his brother, Joseph; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Clyde Henley and Lillie Faye Poole Henley.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Glenn "Mac" Pugh Chapel with Ken McDowell officiating. Burial will follow at Randolph Memorial Park with full military honors.