Donald Ray House

Donald Ray House passed from this life on June 25, 2017, in the company of his loving wife and family. He was born on April 12, 1941 in Charlotte, NC. He grew up in small town Monroe, NC, with his parents, Ray and Mabel House, his brother David, and his sister Martha. He grew up in a happy home, made life-long friends, and cherished his Monroe memories. In high school, he was smitten with the new girl who moved in across the street. They remained sweethearts throughout his years at Duke University (Class of 1963) and his years at Duke University School of Law (Class of 1966). Don and Kaye Kelly Taylor married on August 16, 1964. Don and Kaye shared a life of sixty years together. He started his law practice in Gastonia, NC, but quickly moved to a new opportunity in Winston-Salem at Blackwell & Blackwell. After several years he stepped out to start his own law firm. This firm, House & Blanco, grew to become one of the most successful firms in Winston-Salem, specializing in business and corporate matters. Years later, he began a solo practice focusing on clients who had become his closest friends. He loved being a lawyer. He loved the challenge and the lifetime of learning that Law demands. Don and Kaye rejoiced with the births of their four children and eleven grandchildren - Andrew Ray House (wife Christine and children Caroline, Cate and Ellen), Jeffrey Tate House (children Kailey and Tate), Leigh House Loftin (children Georgia, Juliette and Brick), and Amie House Price (husband Roger and children Alex, Ryan and Baby Girl Price this fall). ""Goat,"" the nickname he chose himself, was a fiercely loyal and loving father and grandfather. Don was a man who knew what he liked. His favorites include: smoking Parodi's (preferably over an objection) and drinking red wine; driving his diesel Mercedes and listening to Doo-Wop; playing golf by ""House Rules"" and watching Duke basketball; eating ""two eggs, over easy, on top of wheat toast"" every Saturday morning and polishing off cartons of mint chocolate chip ice cream at night while watching a WWII movie. Our favorite memories include: taking family trips around the world and Dad being Dad in foreign places; his making Mom laugh by getting hurt and always undercooking the burgers on the grill; his avoiding yard work and threatening to do home repair; beach trips to Figure Eight Island and family hikes in the mountains. He was a ""The more, the merrier,"" ""Count your blessings,"" and ""One day at a time"" kind of man. Dad loved people and he always showed up when he was needed. He also loved to tell and retell our funny family stories. He felt very, very blessed by the many friends and adventures that colored his life. He never shied from the daring and unexpected opportunities to enjoy Life - always the prankster, the leg puller, and the fun-loving trouble-maker. Everyone has a ""Don"" story, or ten. And these stories are always told with a heartfelt smile. Sursum Corda. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Knollwood Baptist Church with Dr. Bob Setzer officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Davie County School Backpack Program. Online condolences may be made to www.hayworth-miller.com (Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel)

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