Former Colonial Beach School Superintendent Dies at age 74
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- Published on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 15:41
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Donald Ray Warner, Sr., 74 of Woodstock, passed away Monday, October 8, 2012 at home after a 12 year battle with cancer.
Dr. Warner was born in Woodstock on Nov. 22, 1937, son of the late Gabriel and Sylva Heavener Warner. He was a former member of the United Methodist Churches in Woodstock and Colonial Beach and was presently a member of the Columbia Furnace Church of the Brethren.
He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1956, Ferrum Junior College with an Associate’s Degree, Lynchburg College with a Bachelor’s degree, Emory University with a Master of Divinity degree, University of Georgia with a Master’s degree and the Univ. of So. Mississippi with a Doctor of Education degree. He was a teacher in Gwinnett County, GA, and served as principal in Woodbridge and Frederick County (Gainesboro). He also served as administrative assistant to the late Frederick County Superintendent, Dr. Melton Wright.
Dr. Warner served for 17 years as the Division Superintendent of Colonial Beach Public Schools during which the new Colonial Beach High School was built through the use of community fundraising and a Virginia Literary Loan. He served a total of 38 years in public education.
Surviving family members include his wife of 53 years, Rachel Day Warner; a son, Donald Ray Warner, Jr., of Woodstock; two daughters, Penny Yvette Ransier of New Market and Krista Rose Osborne (David) of Woodstock; 12 grandchildren, Tamyra Palmer, Donald R. Warner III, April Warner, Jordan Warner, Daniel Warner, Quinton Warner, Hope Warner, Alicia Wood, Billy Ransier, Joshua Gum, Tristan Gum, Branson Osborne and 10 great grandchildren; a sister, Olive Rose Young (Bob); three brothers, Johnny Warner of Woodstock, Elwood Warner (Johanna) of North Bend, OR, twin brother, Daniel Warner (Sarah) of Fairfax, and sister in law, Opal, widow of fourth brother, Gabriel Warner, Jr.
There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Columbia Furnace Church of the Brethren, 20910 Senedo Road, Edinburg, VA, 22824 on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. William Fitchett officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Columbia Furnace Church of the Brethren or the Gideons International, The Shenandoah County Camp, PO Box 793, Mount Jackson, VA 22842.
Dr. Warner is donating his body to medical science in order to help others.
Online guestbook available at www.nvdaily.com/obituaries.
