Birth date: May 15, 1948 Death date: Nov 13, 2021
Donald Ray Westberry, 73, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL since the early 70’s passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 13, 2021 in Fort Myers, FL. He was born May 15, 1948 in Waycross, GA to the late Raymond and Pauline Read Obituary
I remember he used to sit outside the classroom with his guitar, and as the kids were entering the room in the morning, he would sing a song he wrote---license plate, license plate, everybody's got a license plate!!. What a great teacher and an awesome person he was. Rest in peace. Fodor family.
I wish I had a photo or video but I think this was a bit before the ease of access we have now. Mr Westberry was my 3rd and 4th grade teacher. My best friend Anna played the violin and Mr Westberry played the guitar and struck up a fast friendship over music. I was not even close to having any musical talent, but somehow I was honored to go to a local restaurant with Mr Westberry, his wife Pam, Anna and our parents to watch Mr Westberry and Pam sing and play the guitar. Every time we went he pulled Anna and me up to sing Seminole Wind. If you haven’t heard it, go listen so you can envision two 9 year olds playing the tune on a violin and singing our hearts out.. I had no business being up there, looking back, but Mr Westberry made us both feel confident and important with those evenings spent with our parents and him. We were lucky enough to have him for two school years at Allen Park and the things I learned from him still stick in my memory like glue. He will be dearly missed and thought of often.. if you ever had him as a teacher you already know that.
Don became a good friend when we began to team teach at Allen Park. I’ll never forget taking our students snorkeling in the Keys, canoeing on the Peace River, and the many other enriching activities he inspired. He helped me to be a better teacher and person. He will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, Don.
