Dr. Donald V. Dove, 95, of Grayson

Information from the Tim Stewart Funeral Home website.

Dr. Donald Veal Dove, age 95, of Grayson passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2016. Dr. Dove was born in the town of Royston, GA in rural Franklin County.

He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Reuben Dove of Snellville; sister, Elizabeth Fields of Royston, GA; and grandson, Cory Dove of Rocky Face, GA.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Brown Dove of Grayson; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Carol Ann Dove of Heathrow, FL; son, Tim Dove of Rocky Face, GA; daughter, Shelia Gillard of Murfreesboro, TN; son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Tracie Dove of Ebro, FL; daughter, Suzette Dove of Lawrenceville; son and daughter-in-law, Darryl and Tammy Dove of Maysville, GA; stepson and daughter-in-law, Brad and Ann Brown of Buford; brother, Kenneth Dove of Royston, GA; 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and neighbors.

While working a full-time job to support his family, he earned his education at Mercer University, the University of Georgia, and the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He was a proud member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, and he graduated with his medical degree in 1957.

Upon graduation, he established his general medical practice in Lawrenceville, the county seat of what was then considered to be rural Gwinnett County. With no specialists in the area, Dr. Dove treated all of his patient’s medical conditions from delivering babies and setting broken bones to making house calls, if needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

After county officials learned of his background in pathology, he was appointed to be the first Medical Examiner of Gwinnett County. In that capacity, he served his county and fellow citizens until his retirement in 1983.

Upon retirement, Donald immersed himself in his many hobbies, which included traveling, ham radio, wood working, electronics, camping, boating, and working on his beloved farm in Grayson. He particularly enjoying instilling in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren a love for the outdoors. He will be greatly missed by his family, his patients, and his extensive circle of friends.