Donald Wayne Monk, 86, of Brevard, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025. Born on February 12, 1939, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late James Talmadge Monk and Alice Lee Hendricks Monk, Don lived a life defined by devotion to family, a distinguished career, commitment to his community, and a zest for laughter and joy.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Norris Harrison Monk, and Norris's wife, Juanita. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Brenda Sue Manuel Monk, whom he married on September 5, 1964; his daughter, Allison Monk Vallotton (husband Joseph Maxwell "Max" Vallotton, Jr.), and their children, Victoria Maxwell Vallotton and William Talmadge Vallotton; his son, Stephen Gray Monk (wife Megan Baxley Monk), and their daughters, Ella Baxley Monk and Sarah Gray Monk; and his brothers, Norman Talmadge Monk (wife Beverly) and Joseph Derwood "Nick" Monk (wife Colleen); and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and one great grandniece. Don was affectionately known as "Big Don" and "Pop Pop" to his own family and family friends, titles that reflected his warm, jovial, and generous spirit.

A 1958 graduate of Warwick High School in Newport News, Virginia, Don earned a BS in chemistry from Randolph-Macon College and a PhD in physical chemistry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He completed his post-doctoral studies at the Institute of Colloid and Surface Science, Clarkson College of Technology (now Clarkson University).

Don and Brenda then settled in Brevard and began a notable career at Olin Corporation (later Ecusta Paper Corporation), where he started as a senior research chemist in film research and was promoted to numerous other roles, including Research Associate, Manager of Ecusta Paper Engineers, Manager of Paper Manufacturing, and Director of Research and Development. While at Ecusta, he also completed the Executive Program of Professional Management Education at the University of North Carolina. In the mid-1980s, Don and 17 other Ecusta employees purchased the plant and later sold it to P.H. Glatfelter. He retired in 1995, ending his Ecusta career in the role of Vice President of Technical.

Throughout his life, Don earned numerous accolades, including membership in the Sigma Chi Honorary Chemical Society; American Chemical Society; Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry; Paper Industry Management Association; Old Guard Society at Virginia Tech; Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, Virginia Polytechnic Institute Chapter; Phi Lambda Upsilon, The National Chemistry Honor Society, Alpha Theta Chapter; and Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Tau Chapter of Randolph-Macon College. Also while in college, he was listed in Who's Who in American Men and Women of Science and Outstanding Young Men in America .

Don served as a Deacon and Elder at Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church, a volunteer at Transylvania Regional Hospital, President of the Brevard Lions Club, Cubmaster for Pack 703 of Brevard, and in other civic and community organizations, reflecting his deep faith in God, love of country, and dedication to service.

Don's passions were as vibrant as his spirit, extending beyond his professional and civic achievements. He was an avid gardener, a self-taught woodworker, and a hands-on grandfather who crafted furniture—dining room tables, toddler-sized chairs with inlaid names—as well as balance beams and neighborhood signs for his family and friends. He delighted in working on school projects with his grandchildren, as he had with his own children. A car enthusiast, he enjoyed rebuilding and tinkering with vehicles. There was nothing he could not repair or make, and he was always willing and ready to share these gifts with those he loved. He had a beautiful connection with his dogs and could be seen taking them on daily golf cart rides, greeting friends and neighbors. Yet his greatest joy came from time spent with Brenda, his children, and his grandchildren, sharing laughs, stories, and love. A steadfast husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend, Don's playful wit and kindness touched countless lives in the Brevard community.

Don's legacy shines through his love, his craftsmanship, and the laughter he sparked in others. His family and friends will forever remember his gentle, humble nature, his ingenuity, the fact that he never let an obstacle deter him, and the joy he brought to their lives.

A celebration of life will be held at Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. on April 6, 2025. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Don's memory to Autism Speaks ( https://www.autismspeaks.org ) or  Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church Preschool ( https://bdrpc.org/preschool ).

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.