Donald Alfred Vining

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald “Don” Alfred Vining announces his passing after a long illness on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at the age of 73 years. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of four years, Elsie, and his children, Jeanne (Carl) Keller and Jim (Robyn) Vining. Don will also be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren, Jackson, Belle, and Luke, and by his sister Sally (Miles) Nelson. Don was predeceased by his father, Alfred Vining (1982), and mother, Marie Vining White (2007). 

Don was born in Catskill, New York in 1944. He graduated from Windham-Ashland-Jewett (NY) Central School in 1961 and Roberts Wesleyan College (Rochester, NY) in 1965. He served as a New York State school teacher for 33 years in the towns of Frewsburg, Panama, and Randolph. 

Don moved to north Georgia 14 years ago. He volunteered at the Lumpkin County Library, Meals on Wheels, and Community Helping Place. He participated in various poetry clubs and literary guilds. He was an active member and lector at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church. 

Don was perhaps best known by the public for his excellence in running. His college teams competed at nationals three times. After college he competed in road races for more than 50 years, including the Empire State games and the Boston and New York City Marathons. He won numerous races and race series throughout out the United Sates.          

The family will have a visitation at 9:45am and a Funeral Eucharist at 11am on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Saint Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 1188 Hamp Mill Road, Dahlonega, Georgia with The Rev. John Hamilton officiating. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers: donations may be made to Sunrise of Pasco County 12724 Smith Rd Dade City FL 33525 www.sunrisepasco.org  or Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice, 2150 Limestone Pkwy, Ste 222, Gainesville, GA 30501