REIDSVILLE - Donald James Macklin, age 67, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC.

Public viewing will begin on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 12 until 7 p.m. at McLaurin-Harris Funeral Home, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 2 p.m. from the Zion Baptist Church, 807 Piedmont Street, Reidsville, NC. The family visitation will take place at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Marcus Fairley, eulogist.

All other times, the family will receive friends at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Flo Macklin, 3013 Edwin Place, Reidsville, NC.

Donald James Macklin, affectionately known by his family as "Uncle Donnie" and by his friends as "Donnie," left behind a legacy of unwavering love, dedication, and selflessness. He was a man who never missed a moment—whether it was a birthday, dance recital, chorus concert, graduation, or simply a school pickup. He answered every phone call, lifted every prayer request, and, in his own humorous yet profound way, offered words of wisdom that would echo in the hearts of those who loved him.

Donald was born on September 14, 1957, to the late George W. and Dorothy Macklin in Detroit, Michigan. The family later moved to North Carolina, where Donald was educated in the Rockingham County School System. His journey with Christ began at Bethel AME in Reidsville and later continued at Zion Baptist Church, where he found a new spiritual home. Zion Baptist Church was more than a place of worship to him—it was a source of strength, love, and unwavering support, where he also enjoyed singing in the male chorus due to being inspired by the Williams Brother's music. The church community embraced him as family, offering him encouragement and fellowship that enriched his faith and his life. He was employed at Kmart Distribution Center and Old Dominion Freight Line in Greensboro, North Carolina prior to his retirement.

To his nieces, he was more than an uncle—he was a father figure, a constant presence, and the wind beneath their wings. He was there when no one else was, proving time and time again that love isn't defined by biology but by action. He often said he never had children, but those who knew him best understood that he did—daughters in spirit who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

Donnie and his beloved life partner, Christine Harris-Thomas, shared a deep love for family, never missing a holiday, birthday, or milestone. His phone calls, videos, and heartfelt voicemails will be profoundly missed, but the memories he created will never fade. A die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, Uncle Donnie never missed a game, always cheering on his team with unwavering loyalty, no matter the score. His passion for sports extended beyond the Cowboys—he was a true supporter of all Reidsville athletics, taking great pride in watching local teams compete and celebrating their victories as if they were his own. In his playing days, he could often be found on the basketball courts of the local YMCA or the softball fields at Jaycee Park, where his love for the game and competitive spirit shone through.

In addition to his parents Donald was preceded in death by his brother, George D. Macklin (Sharon). He is survived by his devoted partner, Christine Harris-Thomas; brothers Richard (Flo) and Marlowe, all of Reidsville, NC; nieces and nephews Marlena, Shannon, Adawne (Hunter), Angell (Travis) all of Reidsville, NC, Amber (Daniel) of Browns Summit, NC, Marlowe II (Manassa) of Seattle, WA, and Ryan of Kernersville; NC; and great-nieces and nephews Braniya, Aspen, Rhyland, Daniel Jr., and Denzel. Special cousins include Adele Staton of Reidsville, NC, Yvonne Hicks of Richmond, VA, Diane Elmore (Carmie) of Summerfield, NC, and Dorothy Burk (Emery) of Detroit, MI; and his god-sister Charmal Millner of Sanford, NC. He also leaves behind cherished friends and sports buddies, including Tommy Graves, Samuel Doggett, Steve Foust, Larry Abbott, Norris Beveridge, Que Tucker who always made it possible to give Donnie VIP passes to sporting events, and many more.

While we grieve from his absence, we take comfort in knowing that to be absent from this world is to be present with the Lord. Uncle Donnie's absence will be felt on a profound level, but his love, laughter, and unwavering support will forever live on in the hearts of those he cherished.

Service by McLaurin-Harris