Donald E. Kiser

Donald Edward Kiser, a man of grit, heart, and horsepower, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on September 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, love, and unforgettable stories.

Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on November 26, 1951, Don was the beloved son of Franklin Theodore Kiser and Tiny Belle Haigler. He grew up in Charlotte and attended Independence High School where he was drafted before graduation.

Don answered the call to serve his country with honor, drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His service took him to Germany, where he welcomed his first son, Donnie. When Don was scheduled to return home, his family’s love made headlines—their home adorned with a giant welcome banner and a Christmas tree still glowing in February, waiting for Don to celebrate the holiday together. The Charlotte Observer captured the moment, a testament to the deep bonds that defined Don’s life.

Returning to Charlotte, Don continued his service to others as a truck driver, the same role he held in the military. He welcomed a second son, Dwayne. Don later had a son, Daniel. Tragically, Daniel’s life was cut short in a traffic accident in Indian Trail—a loss that left a permanent ache in Don’s heart.

Don remarried and adopted his stepson, Jerricho. He also welcomed Andy into the world. Heartbreak struck again when Jerricho was killed in a tragic accident just days before Andy’s birth. Through unimaginable sorrow, Don stood tall, a pillar of strength for his family.

To navigate life’s trials, Don found solace in speed and steel. He poured his passion into racing, building a Mustang-based racecar and cherishing his iconic 1923 Ford T-Bucket in “Can’t Miss Me Yellow.” Whether roaring down the road on his Harley or cruising on his Harley Davidson Trike, Don embraced life with throttle wide open.

He was a man who met adversity with determination, who loved deeply, and who never stopped moving forward. His spirit, forged in hardship and fueled by love, will live on in the stories told around garage bays, family tables, and quiet moments of remembrance.

Surviving to share those stories will be his sons: Donnie (wife Vickie) Breece of Fairview, NC, Dwayne (Amber) Kiser of Hemby Bridge, NC, and Andy (wife Shari) Kiser, of Dallas, Texas; his grandchildren: Devin Breece, Rylee Kiser, Kadence Staten, Claire Kiser, Kendall Kiser; his siblings: William “Billy” (Shirley) Kiser, Deborah “Debbie” Hudson, and Anita “Nita” (Edward) Hargett. Don is further survived by a niece who was like a daughter in his later years, Deborah (Kevin) Bigley and their daughter, Kayla, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, nanny and pawpaw; his brother, Ronnie, two sons - Daniel and Jerricho; and his grandparents: Manuel and Mamie Haigler and Pete and Hilda Kiser.

Don’s family has entrusted their friends at Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home with his care. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, at the funeral home located at 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC 28105. A service led by Pastor Mike Whitson of First Baptist of Indian Trail will follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Don will then be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens, where military honors will be rendered in recognition of his service.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and horsepower. May he rest in peace, and may his memory ride on.