Donald Wayne Stearns, of Smithfield, North Carolina, was born on October 8, 1946, in Draper, North Carolina, to the late Malcolm and Nora Stearns. Don passed away on October 26, 2026, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn Abbott Stearns, as well as his siblings, Malcolm Stearns Jr. and Nancy Joyce. A proud United States Air Force veteran and longtime member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Clayton, North Carolina, Donald lived with a Christian faith and a belief in God’s promise of eternal life. His family finds peace in knowing that he has gone home to be with the Lord.

Family was an important part of Donald’s life. He is survived by his two children, Daniel Stearns and his wife, Valerie, of Kenly, North Carolina, and Laura Dale and her husband, Colin, of Smithfield, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brother, David Stearns and his wife, Janet, and his sister, Melissa Rice and her husband, George. Donald was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Caleb, Summer, Seth, Dexter, Sarah, Ryleigh, and Chance. He also had a special grand-dog, Zoey.

Donald had a lifelong interest in airplanes and aviation, something he especially enjoyed talking about as a proud Air Force veteran. He was also passionate about collecting rocks and gems and took great pride in the sizable collection he built over the years. Coin collecting was another favorite hobby and added to his love of discovering and preserving interesting treasures. Donald will be remembered for the life he lived, the family he loved, his service to his country, and the interests that brought him so much enjoyment.

Visitation will be held at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma, North Carolina, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Don’s memory to Fellowship Baptist Church, 204 Atkinsons Street, Clayton, NC 27520.