Donald Shapiro

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Tuesday November 28th, 2023, Donald Jay Shapiro. 

An Augusta native, Donald attended Richmond Academy before graduating from Camden Military Academy from which he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award. He then attended Wingate College. Donald’s Biddy Basketball team won the National Championship in 1968.  He was an avid tennis player and was affectionately nicknamed The Godfather of wheelchair tennis. Donald won the 2010 Men’s US Open Wheelchair Championship and many other tournaments. He taught hundreds of both handicapped and able-bodied people the game of tennis while running a free clinic for 20 years.  He was a pioneer in the development of adaptive golf.  Donald worked tirelessly to improve the lives of many in the wheelchair community and was always willing to reach out or find a chair for those in need. He served on the board of the Walton Foundation and volunteered at Camp Rainbow.  He was a member of the Exchange Club of Richmond County and the owner of Hartley’s Uniform Shop for 48 years. 

He is survived by his two sons, Alex (Chelsea) Shapiro and Nick Shapiro and his two grandchildren, Beau and Lorelei Shapiro and many dear friends. 

We are deeply grateful for the excellent end of life care provided by Terri Levi and Sequoia Hatcher. 

No funeral services will be held. The family will receive friends at Donald's home on Wednesday, November 29th from 4:00 until 7:00 P.M. and Thursday, November 30th from 3:00 until 6:00 P.M.