Don Ephraim

Donald Ephraim, 84, of Bosh Kemp Road, North Wilkesboro, died September 29, 2012 at his home after a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm at Congregational Emmanuel, 206 Kelly St. in Statesville. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the home on Wednesday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 pm and on Thursday evening. Mr. Ephraim was born February 17, 1928 in Baltimore, Md to Dr. Meyer Ephraim and Irene Horwitz Ephraim. He studied painting and sculpture at Maryland Institute of Art. He was a sculptor and craftsman and the founder of Hunting Creek Crafts. His early works of ceramic sculpture were instantly popular and are in many private and public collections around the country. Mr. Ephraim was the co-founder and director of the Wilkes Cultural Center and served on the board of directors of the Wilkes Arts Council. In 1975, he was designated a Third Century Artist by the North Carolina Arts Council. When he was 16, Don joined the Navy in 1944 after altering his birth certificate to qualify for service. He served in the Pacific Theater in Guam, Saipan and Tinian before being discharged in 1946. He then joined the Merchant Marines. Mr. Ephraim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carol Huntley Ephraim, of the home; one son, Lon A. Ephraim (Shelly) of Silver Spring, Md., one daughter, Monte S. Ephraim (Leitner) of Baltimore; two grandsons, Jascha Ephraim of Los Angeles and Theo Ephraim of Montreal, Que; and two nieces, Betsy Harmatz and Barbara Lebson both of Baltimore. He was preceded in death by a sister, Rita Caplan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Congregation Emmanuel, P.O. Box 145, Statesville, NC 28687 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Don Ephraim.