Donald Ray Nivens

Donald Ray "Passinggear" Nivens, 90, of York, South Carolina, passed away September 17, 2024, at the Levine Dickson Hospice House-Southminster in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Don was born on March 15, 1934, in York County, South Carolina to the late Grady and Faye (Turner) Nivens.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a son, Curtis Dean Nivens; his brother, Bobby Cecil Nivens; his loving and devoted partner, Linda Mae (Whyte) Farrant; his first wife, Betty Irene Dover Nivens; and his second wife, Helen Inez Compton Nivens.

Don is survived by his daughters, Donna Hensley (Bill), Janet Sprouse (Rick), Jacqueline Clark (Bobby); grandchildren, Brandi Solomon (Josh), Savannah Clark (Dylan), Robert "CJ" Clark, Jr., Brittany Clark (Jessica); and great-grandsons, Porter Quinn and Myles Clark.

Don was a veteran of the United States Army, in which he served as a Sargeant First Class in the 49th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, from 1950 to 1953.  He fought on the front lines of the Korean War, took part in the Inchon Landings, and honorably distinguished himself for fourteen months in that region.  Don received the Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation (ROK), and the Ambassador for Peace Proclamation.

Don worked at Rock Hill Finishing and Printing (The Bleachery) and retired from the United States Postal Service in Clover, South Carolina, as a Rural Route Carrier.

He was a faithful and dedicated member of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church, where he took great pride in keeping the church's grounds pristine.  He was given the Outstanding Older Adult Award by the Providence Presbytery, and in February of this year, was honored with Deacon Emeritus status.  He was also a church Trustee for 2024.

Don was a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.  His work ethic and his generosity with his family and friends was incredible, and he invested these qualities into every relationship of his life.

He delighted in playing golf and poker with his buddies, working in his backyard garden, and in growing the best tomatoes in the neighborhood.
Don was a beloved, humble, and kind man, who always put others' needs and interests before those of his own.

A service to celebrate Donald Nivens' life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 1184 North Shiloh Road, York, South Carolina.  The service will be officiated by Pastor Dr. John D. White.  Inurnment will follow the service in the church cemetery. Please join our family in the Family Life Center after the Services.

In memory of Donald Ray Nivens, memorials may be made to Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 1184 North Shiloh Road, York, SC 29745.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, 1503 South York Road, Gastonia, North Carolina 28052.  Online condolences may be made at www.greenefuneral.com.