Donald Sauls

Donald Von Sauls, 83, life-long Goldsboro resident, gained a heavenly body Saturday afternoon, September 9, leaving his disease-stricken body behind at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. His wife, son, minister, and other family members were at hand when he left earth for heaven. Son of the late Ernest J. and Ethel Taylor Sauls, Donald grew up in the Adamsville section of Goldsboro, on the corner of Berkeley Blvd. and Ash Street "where ‘the Sizzler' is" to have heard him tell it. He graduated in 1952 from Goldsboro High School and served a two-year stint in the United States Army. Donald began public work at an early age-14 years old to be exact-at Belk-Tyler's in downtown Goldsboro, and continued with Belk throughout his high school years. After graduation, he worked with Heilig-Meyers Furniture, and it was during this time that he served his country. Upon returning from service duty, he returned to Heilig-Meyers, until he joined Best & Sauls Men's Shop in Goldsboro where he enjoyed a career for over 30 years in helping area gentlemen in finding just the right articles of clothing with a perfect fit. It was in 1996 that he embarked on a new career, joining the staff of Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive. Here he was a loyal employee until January of 2016, when he fully retired. Donald was a natural born salesman, and with the "gift of gab" that he had, he gained many, many dear and devoted friends through the years at each of his working establishments as well as through his sales of peanuts for the Methodist Men at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Olive and for that work he was known by many as the "The Peanut Man". Donald was known as a social butterfly because of his love for people and people loved him. A "cut up" at times, there were few dull moments being around Donald. He was never short for conversation and would "work the floor" upon entering a room and soon would lighten the mood with his jovial demeanor. Donald enjoyed playing pool, and with his sharp eye and skill, he was regarded as being one of the area's best. A long-time member of First Christian Church of Goldsboro, he was an elder of the church and had served in many capacities through the years. Donald had a heart of gold and a servant's heart. He was faithful in witness to his faith in his Lord Jesus, and was known for his personal ministry in visiting the sick and shut-in's in the area, serving Holy Communion to the homebound, and was eager to offer words of encouragement. Donald is survived by his wife, Joyce Marie Evans Sauls, and their son, Derek Von Sauls, both of the home; a brother, Joe Ben Sauls of Goldsboro; two sisters, Gaynelle S. Kennedy of Kinston and Marie S. Allen and husband, Bill, of Raleigh; a sister-in-law, Peggy Sauls of Raleigh; and the Evans family to include Jim and Irene Evans, Bill and Jan Evans, Janice E. and Woody Curfman; many nieces and nephews from the Sauls and Evans families; and the extended family he gained with his employment with the Seymour family of funeral homes. Donald was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Starlette Marie Sauls; his parents, Ernest J. and Ethel T. Sauls; two brothers, Edward Sauls and Howard Sauls; a sister, Geraldine S. McDonald; and an infant sister. Donald will lie in state at Tyndall Funeral Home in Mount Olive on Tuesday afternoon, September 12, 2017, with the family present for a time of visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Seymour Funeral Home in Goldsboro. A service to worship God and to reflect upon Donald's life and its goodness will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the First Christian Church of Goldsboro on Thursday, September 14, 2017. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Fred Clarke and Rev. Dr. Penny Ziemer. Burial will follow at Wayne Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, gifts to honor Donald's memory may be made to First Christian Church, 1609 East Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530; or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro NC 27534. Online memorials may be noted at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.