DATE: Sunday, August 3, 1997                TAG: 9708010248

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Close Up 

                                            LENGTH:   59 lines

DON HORSLEY: FARMER AND CIVIC LEADER

4-H has been always been in Don Horsley's life. In fact, 30 years ago that is how he met Diane, his wife of 27 years.

Horsley, a farmer, raises soybeans, grain and hogs. He and Diane have also raised two sons who are keeping the 4-H tradition going in their family.

One of Horsley's hobbies is being part of civic events. Recently farming has had to take a back seat to his latest endeavor. He is Virginia Beach's regional chairman for the Fair At The Beach, the 10-day day mini State Fair, with a carnival, animals and food, that highlights all five area cities.

Full name: Donald Henry Horsley.

Hometown: Suffolk.

What brought you to the Beach? Marriage to the former Diane Frost and a job at Land of Promise Farms in Blackwater.

Birthdate: Dec. 1, 1946.

Occupation: Agribusiness/farmer.

Nickname: Don.

Marital status: Married.

Children: Two sons; Shane, 20 and Ryan, 17.

What is your idea of a perfect day off? Watching my sons play baseball or helping them with their 4-H animals or walking on the beach with Diane.

Last smart thing you did: Stopped chewing tobacco.

Last dumb thing you did: Stuck my finger in a spinning fan.

Favorite meal: Diane's Christmas dinner: ham, turkey, corn pudding, sweet potato pudding, collard greens, homemade bread and a variety of desserts.

Favorite movies: ``Forrest Gump'' and ``Major League I and II.''

Favorite song: ``God Bless the USA.''

Last book read: ``Out of the Blue'' by Orel Hershiser.

Hobbies: Working with livestock shows, fairs and youth baseball. I also enjoy doing pig pickin' barbecues.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Look and feel as good as I did 20 years ago.

If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Not one thing!

Secret vice: I'll never tell.

Favorite restaurant: Frankie's Place for Ribs and Texas Steakhouse in Blacksburg - home of the Hokies.

Your favorite night on the town: Dinner and wholesome conversation with family and/or special friends.

Favorite TV shows: ESPN/Sports Center and ``Baywatch.''

Favorite sport: Baseball.

Last vacation: Family trip to 1996 Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla., to watch Virginia Tech.

Pets: A Boxer, named Daiquiri.

Worst job: Never had a bad one.

Of what achievements are you most proud? Being a Virginia Tech graduate and appointments and recognitions that I have received over the years in both civic and agricultural organizations.

What would you like as your epitaph? He loved his family. He loved his work. He cared for others. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY

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