Donald Van Britt

A life well played Donald Van “Van” Britt, age 79, of Snellville, Georgia, passed peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 31, 1946, Van was a seventh-generation Gwinnett County native with deep roots in the community he cherished. He grew up in the Button Gwinnett Hotel on the square in Lawrenceville, which was owned and operated by his parents, Hugh and Lois (Peevy) Britt. From an early age, Van was known for his strength of character and adventurous spirit. He was a dedicated Boy Scout through high school, participating in numerous jamborees and embodying the values of leadership, service, and integrity that would follow him throughout his life. A proud 1964 graduate of Central Gwinnett High School, Van was a gifted athlete and a state champion in basketball, baseball, and football. He went on to attend Furman University, where he played football and discovered a lifelong passion for golf. His Uncle Hollis gave him his first set of clubs and introduced him to the game that would become one of his greatest joys. Van and Frankie, his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years, shared a love that anchored their family and stood the test of time. Van's early professional life included real estate development and insurance sales, followed by his role helping to operate the family businesses, V&J Catering and V&J Cafeteria, named after him and his brother, Jeff. In 1980, Van combined his love for golf with his business experience by becoming co-owner of Summit Chase Country Club. In 1995, he bought out his partner, and the Britt family legacy in the golf industry was firmly established. He was a champion for the growth of the game through junior golf by supporting many local high school golf teams, the Middle School Golf League, and any junior interested in learning the game. He established commitment to all local schools in the community to provide support whenever needed. At some point, every member of the Britt family worked at “the club,” and for Don and Adrienne, it became a lifelong career. Summit Chase was more than a business—it was a family home, a local institution, and a part of Van’s heart. Van also had a deep appreciation for games of chance, with a special knack for blackjack and craps. He and Frankie made many memories together traveling to Las Vegas, Tunica, and other favorite spots, where they soaked in the shows, lights, laughter, and excitement. Van was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Lois Peevy Britt. He is survived by his devoted wife, Frankie Britt of Snellville; his children, Don and Charlene Britt of Loganville, Adrienne and Ron Levesque of Loganville, and Dusty Britt of Snellville; his brother, Jeff Britt of Flowery Branch; his grandchildren, Alicia Kanouff, CJ Rousseau, Mackenzie Britt, Xander Rousseau, and Grayson Britt; and his great-grandchildren, Brayden Johnson, Ryan Mohr, Emma Mohr, Evan Kanouff, and CJ “#5” Rousseau. Van will be remembered for his steady hand, quick wit, love of the game, and deep devotion to his family. Whether he was walking the fairway, telling a story, rolling the dice, or sitting on his porch watching the birds with his dog Missy, he did it all with grace, humor, and heart. His legacy lives on in every life he touched—and in the stories that will be told for generations to come. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Lawrenceville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home, with Preacher Mickey Oliver officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 24 from 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM, and again on Friday, July 25 from 2:00–4:00 PM. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 770-466-1544. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.

Donald Van Britt

May 31, 1946 - July 18, 2025

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Donald Van Britt

May 31, 1946 - July 18, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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