Donald Lawrence Raiff

Donald Lawrence Raiff, "Don" age 82 of Terrell, NC passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2011 after a 4 year battle with kidney cancer. He was at his daughter's home in Bradenton, FL with his family by his side. Don was born in Chicago, IL on April 11, 1929 to Lawrence Van Cleave Raiff and Pearl Irene Mitts. As a boy, his family lived on Ellis Ave. and also University Ave. in Jackson Park, IL. He often spoke fondly of his childhood friend, Harold W. Scott, "Scottie". As a young man, he worked on the oar boats on the Great Lakes. When he was 16 he forged his birth certificate to have the opportunity to enlist in the Army and serve our country in World War II. He was stationed in Trieste, Italy then was recalled to serve in Korea during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return, he married his childhood friend and wife of 46 years, Lois in Oak Park, IL. By 1965, he had worked his way up to District Service Manager of Cadillac dealers in the Southeast. He then relocated his family to Charlotte, NC where they lived in Hampshire Hills for 20 years. He was a Shriner of the Scottish Rite and member of the Oasis Wagoneers, helping to restore a 1927 fire engine. He enjoyed building model airplanes and was a member of the Monroe RC Club. It was here he was first introduced to southern fish frys and hushpuppies - which he learned to enjoy with time:although he never developed a taste for grits. He retired from "Generous Motors" in 1985, and moved to a home on Lake Norman which he designed himself, in Terrell, NC. He enjoyed living on the lake and graciously opened his home to host many gatherings for family and friends. In 2008 he met his dear friend, Ivic Gulledge of Cornelius, NC with whom he shared the remainder of his time. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Raiff Allen (Bradenton, FL); his grand-daughters Lisa Allen (Concord, NC), and Kathryn and Cindy Allen (Bradenton, FL). He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois (7/25/2000) and his parents Lawrence (1/5/1969) and Pearl (10/20/1983. He will also be greatly missed by the Stevens family, Joe, Nella, "Liz" and " Kat" of Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home, 16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC on Thursday, Dece.ber 1, 2011 from 7 - 9 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 2 at 3:30pm at the Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society or the Naional Kidney Foundation. The family wishes to thank Tidewell Hospice of Bradenton, FL for their support in Don's last days. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com