John Douglas Zeh

John Douglas Zeh, 93, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2017, at Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Charlotte, after a full, dynamic life.  He was born in Waynesboro, Virginia, on May 13, 1924, and raised in Hopewell, Virginia, the youngest son of David and Ethel Zeh. He was the eleventh of twelve siblings and was the last surviving sibling of a large, vibrant, and loving family. He graduated from Hopewell High School in 1942, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After serving as a Radioman, he enrolled at East Carolina Teachers’ College, now East Carolina University, the first of his siblings to attend college, thanks to the G.I. Bill.  During his senior year, he met the love of his life, Joyce Dixon, a beautiful, intelligent, and adventurous farmer’s daughter who was charmed by his gregarious and warm personality, large and fun-loving family, dashing wardrobe, and elegant dance moves. They married June 3, 1950, and after a short stint as a science teacher in rural Pitt County, he and Joyce settled in Greenville, North Carolina, where he began a lifelong career in paint supplies and sales, a field which he continued to enjoy until he was ninety. He became active in Greenville’s community, singing in the chancel choir at Jarvis Memorial Methodist Church, playing Santa for the Kiwanis Club, and becoming raised in Greenville Lodge #284 of the Scottish Rite of Masons in 1957, where he ultimately earned the status of 32nd Degree. In 1960 he became a father, a role for which he was a natural, first to Freda, adopted in infancy from the Greensboro Children’s Home Society, and later to Donovan, also adopted there. In 1964, he and Joyce relocated to Raleigh, settling in North Hills. He joined the salesforce of the Devoe Paint Company, later owned by Celanese, where he was recognized as a top performer. John and Joyce formed a large circle of friends who enjoyed dancing, entertaining, and bridge-playing. He and Joyce often hosted neighborhood sing-alongs, informal gatherings, and parties. He also became an active member of Hayes Barton United Methodist Church.  A created member of the Sudan Temple in 1965 and a member of the JJ Crowder Lodge #743 in Raleigh, he continued his association with Masonry.  Over the years, he was a beloved youth leader in the Hayes Barton JOY Class, where he spent many summers participating in the Appalachia Service Project, where he became known affectionately as “Papa John.” He repeatedly volunteered his time and talents on church mission trips to the Caribbean, where his down-to-earth, fun-loving, and hard-working nature won the friendship and respect of the clergy, his teammates, and local residents. He could often be found serving breakfast to the Men’s Fellowship Group and lending a hand in many other church functions.  He volunteered hundreds of hours at Rex Hospital and was recognized for his service. As Joyce’s physical health diminished, he became a loving caregiver, lavishing many hours of attention, errand-running, and meal preparation. His devotion to his beloved Joyce, his children, his family, his church, his clients, and his many friends was a beacon of light that only magnified as he grew older. He turned his faith and love into action and service to others, and he will be long remembered as a big-hearted man with a booming voice, mischievous sense of humor, sincere and humble faith, and love of life. John is survived by daughter Freda Zeh Rosen and her husband, Carl of Charlotte; and son Donovan Zeh and his devoted partner, Julie Klass of LaGrange, NC.  Following a private burial at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, a memorial celebration of John’s life will be held at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church on Friday, November 3, at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive friends afterward in the church Fellowship Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to The Well of Hayes Barton UMC, 2209 Fairview Rd., Raleigh, NC 27608, The Greensboro Children’s Home Society, The American Heart Association, or the charity of one’s choice.