Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

May 12, 2025

Jacob Donnell Lassiter, 88 of Charlotte, NC, died on Monday, May 12, 2025 following a brief illness.

Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The oldest of five children, Don was born on January 19, 1937 to John Jacob and Mabel Saunders Lassiter in Biscoe, North Carolina. He spent his formative years in Burlington, North Carolina graduating from Walter Williams High School in 1955. He treasured the close friendships he maintained with his childhood friends.

Don went on to receive BA (Class of 1959) and JD degrees (Class of 1963) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and remained an avid Carolina fan his entire life. Graduating with honors near the top of his class, something he rarely spoke about given his humble nature, he was a member of the North Carolina Law Review and received The Chief Justice Walter Clark Award for scholastic achievement. Following graduation, he joined Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman (now K&L Gates) in Charlotte, North Carolina where he practiced banking and finance law for over 40 years. Serving as Managing Partner before he retired in 2004, Don was highly respected by colleagues and clients alike. The friendships he made during his time at Kennedy Covington followed him long after retirement.

Don was a man of quiet faith and deep service. He was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church for more than 60 years. Always ready to help, he supported the church vestry holding Senior Warden positions multiple times and served on numerous committees including multiple stewardship, endowment, and capital campaigns. In his later years he loved visiting with his church family during Sunday morning breakfasts and Wednesday night suppers. Don was loved by all.

Don also enjoyed many years as a member of the Charlotte Country Club. He was on the Board of Governors for 6 years and served as President from 1993-1995. One of his greatest joys was time spent golfing and laughing with friends in a place he loved so much.

Don loved life and lived it fully. He enjoyed trips near and far with family and friends, Tuesday afternoons at the Piedmont Club, The Charlotte Bridge Association, Carolina basketball, PGA golf, puttering around the yard, and dozing under the umbrella at Litchfield Beach. Above all, he loved sitting on the porch in the late afternoons with his wife watching the birds visit their beautiful gardens.

Adored by all who knew him, his kindness, warmth, integrity and sense of humor, Don will be greatly missed.

Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Susan Tuggle Lassiter, whom he adored from their very first blind date at Carolina; his loving daughters Kelly Safran (Jim), Sharon Keenan and Martha Sewell; his grandchildren Sarah Cranford (Drew), Anne Blair (Kenny), Davis Keenan (Kate), Matthew Keenan (Molly), Jake Keenan, Lee Sewell and Hannah Sewell; and 5 great grandchildren, Liam, Riley, Maddie, Ellie, and Rose. He also leaves behind three siblings, Diana Hanford, Steve Lassiter (Vicki) and Randy Lassiter (Martha) and many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Jake and Mabel Lassiter, and his brother, Mike Lassiter.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226. A reception at the church will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John’s Endowment, c/o St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1623 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC, 28226 or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.