Donald "Donnie" Gray Petree, Jr. departed this life on November 10, 2016 in Greensboro, N.C. He was born July 14, 1973 in Winston-Salem, N.C. to Donald Gray Petree Sr., (deceased) and Lillie Mae Petree.

He was a life-long learner who graduated from North Forsyth High School in Forsyth County. Donnie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University, Master of Public Administration degree from Bowie State University and a Master of Rehabilitative Counseling degree from Winston-Salem State University. The culmination of his academic career was his attendance and completion of a culinary arts degree from the Art Institute in Durham, N.C.

Donnie was a proud and devoted father who shared this earthly life with many. He was known by everyone as the gentle giant with the big heart. Donnie's life mission was to help others and he lived by the motto of "lifting others as he climbed." He was a faithful member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated and a member of Prince Hall Masonry. Donnie was also known for his love of basketball, where he played for North Forsyth High School and subsequently, for Fayetteville State University under a full athletic scholarship; he also loved his "Dallas Cowboys."

Donnie leaves to cherish his memory, a wife, Janita T. Williams Petree; son, Donald Gray Petree, III; mother, Lillie M. Petree; sisters, Veronica M. Jeffers and Donnetta L. Samuels; brother/best friend, Christopher D. Petree Sr. (Amber) and brother, Charles E. Hatcher, Jr; a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and special cousin Christopher B. Black.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Friday, November 18, 2016 at Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Friday at the Church.