Donald Gordon Letteer, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 5, 2025. A longtime resident of Atlanta, GA suburbs, he was born Jun. 22, 1949, in Greece, NY, to Walter M. Letteer Jr. and June Mollard Letteer, both now deceased. He was preceded in death by his brother Darrell, also. Survivors include his spouse Susan, his sons Matthew and Douglas, his daughter Darra, his brothers David (Paulette) and Dale (Rhonda), his sister Dorinda, and extended relatives.
Donald was a man of letters, being the son of a mailman and earning three degrees beyond high school: B.A. and M.P.A. from State University of New York at Albany, and J.D. from University of South Carolina. He worked as a NY Dept. of Labor civil servant, a Cherokee County Assistant Solicitor and Public Defender, and a AAA Johns Creek travel counselor. He also taught Business, Contract, and Ethics Law to Limestone College students, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) to immigrants.
Donald met his spouse of 39 years, Susan, during his doctoral studies. Together, they volunteered at many organizations, including the Association for Retarded Citizens (he was a Board Member), the Literacy Board (he was Treasurer), and the American Red Cross (he was Treasurer).
Donald earned his Amateur Extra Class Ham Radio license and was part of the South Carolina national disaster communications team. In addition to English, he spoke French, Spanish, and German conversationally, and knew basics of several other languages, which was useful for his international communications.
Donald was greatly involved in Scouting programs for over two decades, and held roles including Den Leader, District Unit Commissioner, and Cubmaster of Norcross Pack 247. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow honor society, was a recipient of the district-level Golden Quill award, and was honored with the national Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award for his work with at-risk youth. He shepherded his daughter Darra from Brownie Scout to Gold Award recipient in Girl Scouts, and his son Douglas from Tiger Cub to Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.
Donald loved music, and was involved in church choirs since childhood. He was active in Adult Sunday School classes for decades, and was a 25-year member of Norcross First Global Methodist Church. He participated in Handbell choirs and in church missions work, and especially enjoyed his mission trips to Appalachia and Cuba, serving others “Across the Street and Around the World”.
Donald adored his nuclear family. He was an active and nurturing presence for his children, teasing them with his Dad-joke humor, and instilling in them his values of kindness, compassion, and service to others. He had an adventurous spirit and a love for travel that became a roadmap for them (pun intended, in his memory.) For example, he journeyed throughout Europe, and visited 49 of the 50 USA states, only missing out on Hawaii.
Donald’s life was a testament to service and community, and his unwavering commitment to justice was a mirror of his character, exemplifying his belief in making the world a better place. He found fulfillment in lifelong learning, and in guiding others through their challenges, and will be well-remembered not only for his professional accomplishments, but for his warm heart and generous spirit.
Donald’s Life Celebration was held Sat., Feb. 15, 2025, at Norcross First Global Methodist Church (NFGMC) in GA. The event livestream is archived on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/15ty4S9vJw/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
May his life of service be your inspiration to go help others and continue his legacy! Donate in his memory: Your Blood to the American Red Cross; Your Time to Scouting America or a charity of your choice; and Your Money to the Norcross church’s Missions Fund (make checks payable to NFGMC; https://www.norcrossfirst.org/).
Cremation services were provided by Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, Buford, GA. Donald’s Tribute Wall is available at www.crowellbrothers.com.
