Donald Lee Cary was one of the identical twin boys born on September 24, 1961 in Greenville, Mississippi to Howard and Ida Mae Cary. Donald relocated to Cleveland, Ohio with his mother and siblings in the late 1960s. He attended Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John Adams High School. He furthered his education at Southern Ohio College with a focus on Computer Science. His passion for tinkering with small electrical parts continued for years. Donald was a steel parts mover at Merle Company before joining The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He was a thorough medical records technician for over 20 years before his retirement from the clinic in 2022.

In 1990, Donald became a devoted father to Caitlin. He married Mary Griggs-Keys in 1996 and became a step-father to Jillion Keys. Donald and Caitlin shared an immeasurable bond with unconditional love for each other. He was a loving grandpa who shared many tender and humorous moments with his granddaughters Rileigh and Kensley.

In the late 1990s, Donald confessed to Christ and became a faithful member of The Gospel House in Walton Hills, Ohio. He served on several ministries throughout the years. Donald was especially dedicated to the ministry for the homeless, as well as the ministry for the sick and shut-in. For many years he volunteered to serve food and visit those in need in the Cleveland area. Also, his compassion was evident through his devotion to mentoring young men who were new to the Christian faith.

Donald had a “makers-mindset” and enjoyed taking apart and putting together various items, such as race car tracks. He created various artworks using mediums such as pencils, glass, and chalk. His mother often told him that he should submit his art work in a starving artist contest. Cooking and playing Crash Bandicoot on the PlayStation were other favorite hobbies. Donald was a fan of classic black & white movies and eclectic jazz music. He “rocked out” to bands such as Bush and Meatloaf. Two of his favorite songs were “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (Aerosmith) and “Bennie and The Jets” (Elton John). Also, Donald always dressed upscale “to the nines” regardless of the occasion. He was crisp and classy even at a backyard BBQ!

Donald had a layered personality and a huge smile that matched his giving heart. His laugh was loud and unique, his style was classic, and memories of his life and legacy shall live on forever.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Ida Mae, his sisters Velma Ann and Gwendolyn Faye, his twin brother Donnie, and his brothers Frederick and Howard Jr. (June).

Donald leaves to treasure his memory his loving daughter Caitlin and granddaughters Rileigh and Kensley. Also, he is cherished by Mary Cary, his sister Merilyn Richardson, and his brothers Larry and Melvin Cary (all of Cleveland, Ohio). He will be missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.