Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 5, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Donald Dale Marple, 88, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Don was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 5, 1935, the eldest child of Genevieve Musgrave Marple and John Winston Marple.  He left home to attend the University of Cincinnati, graduating with a degree in Philosophy while in the Army ROTC program.  He later proudly served in active duty and the Reserves.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Louise Harper, on August 16, 1959.  His career at Union Carbide/Praxair led them, with their growing family, to explore and live in numerous states.  A lifelong learner, Don pursued academic endeavors even while working.  He obtained his MBA from Rutgers University and a Doctorate from the University of New Haven.  After retiring from corporate life and moving to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Don shared his knowledge and experience teaching at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.  In 2012, they moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to be closer to family.

Don pursued a wide-range of interests and passions.  He was a published novelist, adventurous traveler, competitive tennis player, and enthusiastic sailor.  He made many friends skippering his C-Scow on Lake Chautauqua in upstate New York and a Thistle on the Long Island Sound.  Don was an avid reader, particularly of all things related to history, and relished robust discussion in book clubs.  He was an active member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and the Wesley class.  Throughout his life, Don remained a proud West Virginian, where his family settled long ago and where he picked up his infectious habit of singing and reciting poetry.

Don's primary focus and passion, however, was family.  He maintained close relationships with his brother and two sisters and delighted in family reunions.  With Nancy, he raised a strong, close-knit family of his own.  He was a present and thoughtful father to his three children, supporting them in all their endeavors, always a loyal presence at their sports activities and musical recitals. He was at all times their enthusiastic cheer leader, scorekeeper, announcer, and unofficial sports journalist.  Don continued fostering togetherness as his family grew, starting the treasured tradition of celebrating Christmas week at “the beach house” in Emerald Isle, NC.  He was the official leader as three generations of Marples gathered – presents, tree and all – to share stories, enjoy home cooked meals, laugh through competitive games of Bananagrams, read, and play music together.  These memories and traditions will live on.

Above all, Don was dedicated to Nancy, his wife of 64 years who was his guiding light and constant companion.  He spoke adoringly of her and attributed much of the success, joy and adventure in his life to her.   In addition to his wife, Don is survived by three children, Paula Bradham (Robert) of Charlotte, NC, Pamela Marple (David Johnston) of Washington, DC, and J.D. Marple (Kate) of San Francisco, CA; seven grandchildren, Austin Bradham (Jennifer), Christopher Bradham (Rachel Calloway), Grey Bradham, Genevieve Johnston, J.D. Johnston, Chloe Marple and Onyx Marple and two great- grandchildren, Eloise and Charlotte Bradham.  Also surviving are his siblings, Martha Rainbolt (Carl Huffman) of Greencastle, IN, James Marple (Gail) of Jackson, TN, and Janet Richards (Norvin) of Tuscaloosa, AL and many other cherished family members. 

The family wishes to thank the care teams at the Stewart Health Center in Charlotte for their loving attention and care for Don in his final months.

A memorial service to celebrate Don’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Myers Park United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.  The service will be livestreamed at: https://boxcast.tv/channel/avywlradrkwnpw81mpef for those unable to attend in person.

Memorials may be offered in memory of Don to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.