Donald Edward Golightly of Columbia, SC died Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 with his family at his side. Born January 9th, 1942 in Union, SC, he was the son of the late Edward Carlisle and Evelyn Gregory Golightly.

He was a 1960 graduate of Columbia High School where he served as Student Body President and received the prestigious Bill Goudelock Scholarship. He then went on to receive his Bachelors of Architecture from Clemson University in 1967. After graduation, he worked for Lafaye, Lafaye and Associates in Columbia, SC prior to opening his own architectural and design firm, Design Collaborative, Inc in 1973. This firm remained in business for 50 years until his retirement in 2023.

He was licensed in numerous states and held National Council Registration Boards Certificates. He served on the South Carolina State Board of Architectural Examiners, which he chaired. He was heavily involved in numerous professional societies, many of which he was President, Chairman, or on the Board of Directors, including the American Institute of Architects SC chapter, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and Clemson University's College of Architecture - Architectural Foundation. He served on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards exam writing and jury committee. He also served on the advisory board for Midlands Technical College.

While at Clemson University, he was President of the Freshmen Class and a Cow College Clogger. He was a member Kappa Delta Chi/ Sigma Nu Fraternity, Theta Zeta Chapter where he made lifelong friends. However, his time with Clemson University did not stop after graduation. Upon graduation he was involved with the Greater Columbia Clemson Club, and he served as president from 1979-1980 after which he remained a board member. He was given the award of Super Tiger in 1990. He also was an active member of the Clemson Alumni Association, where he served for multiple terms on the National Council and executive Committee, receiving the Silver Tiger in 1983. He was National Alumni President 1992-1993. He served on the Clemson University President's Advisory Council Centennial Campaign and Board of Visitors. He was involved with Clemson IPTAY Club and served as a representative in 1975 until his death. He served on the National Board of Directors and ultimately IPTAY President from 2006-2007. He was given the Clemson University Distinguished Service Award in 1995.

He was also heavily involved in the community in regard to service and multiple advisory boards. He was a Life Member of Sertoma International and was Honor Club President 1972-1973. He was involved with advisory boards and committees with the City of Columbia, Town of Arcadia Lakes, City of Forest Acres, Department of Labor for the State of South Carolina, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Riverbanks Zoological Society, Columbia Art Museum, PTAs, school booster clubs, and many others. He was an active member of St. Mark United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Trustees and was Chairman of the Administrative Council from 1990 to 2022. He loved his family, traveling for Clemson games, his aquarium, his electric trains, mentoring the younger generations in architecture and Clemson, his dogs through the years, and his granddaughter Evie.

He is survived by his wife Gale Wimbish Golightly of 48 years, his son Cameron Edward Golightly and Cam's wife Virginia King Golightly, as well as his granddaughter Evelyn "Evie" Caroline Golightly of Chattanooga, TN. He is also survived by his sister Judy Mathis and her husband Nick Mathis of Cherry Grove, SC and his nieces Lisa Dye (Madison) and Mandy McCabe (John) and their families. He is predeceased by his parents as named above as well as his son, Drew McKellar Golightly.

The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to the physicians, nurses, therapists, and staff at MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown as well as all of his doctors and medical staff that have cared for him over his years.

The funeral service for Mr. Golightly will be held at 11 o'clock on Monday, September 11th, at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 3200 Lyles St, Columbia, SC 29201. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 o'clock on Sunday, September 10th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC 29223.

In lieu of flowers. donations may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church in Columbia, SC, or the Drew Golightly Family Endowment, Clemson University Foundation, Attn: JoVanna King, 110 Daniel Drive, Clemson, SC 29631.