Donald Gene Almond

Donald Gene Almond, 88, of Albemarle, passed away Friday, January 12, 2024, at Atrium Health Stanly Hospital in Albemarle.

Gene was born June 17, 1935, in North Carolina to the late Reynolds James Almond and the late Ruth Fink Almond. 
He was also preceded in death by wife, Sue Deese Almond and sister, Janelle Almond Lowder.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am - 11:45 am, Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday at 12:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel in Albemarle officiated by Pastor Curtis Williams. Burial will immediately follow at the Canton Baptist Church Cemetery at 24615 Endy Rd, Albemarle.

Survivors include children, Danny Michael (Rhonda) Almond of Albemarle, NC and Ginger (fiance, Leamond "Bubba" Braley) Love of Albemarle, NC; grandchildren, Suzann Almond, Matthew (Tabitha) Almond,  Brandy (Russell) Strawn, and Adrian (fiance, Daniel Ridenhour) Love; and great-grandchildren, Jacob Watkins, Jaden Watkins, Brady Ridenhour, Zachary Almond, Ariel Almond, Waylon Strawn, and Hank Strawn.

Gene was a devoted and loving husband to his wife of 68 years, Sue. Gene and Sue were members of Canton Baptist Church. He was a dedicated and hardworking man, starting Almond Electric and Heating in 1974. He was a member of the Homebuilder's Association in Albemarle. Gene enjoyed the mountains, stock car racing, and playing golf. He was a member of the Stanly County Shriners Club for over 50 years and was also a member of Masonic Lodge 703. He participated in the character's unit with the Shriners Club and he would portray Donald Duck in the parades. Gene also enjoyed visiting the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children. Gene loved his dogs dearly, they were Cocker Spaniels and Wire Haired Fox Terriers.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children and Canton Baptist Church.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Almond family.