age 85, of Birmingham, Alabama passed from labor to reward on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Princeton Hospital. He was born February 13, 1932 in Birmingham, the son of Milton and Georgia Solomon. He grew up in the city of Birmingham. Dr. Solomon attended school in the Birmingham City School System and is a 1949 graduate of A. H. Parker High School. Upon graduation he enter the United States Air Force where he served with distinction and is a Veteran of the Korean War. While in service to our nation he took advantage of all educational opportunities afforded him. He attended several universities such as Ohio State University, UCLA and Savannah State University, just to name a few. When Dr. Solomon completed his 10 year stint in the Air Force he returned to Birmingham and attended Miles College. While at Miles he not only completed his degree but also met the love of his life, the late Mrs. Clarice Hanson Solomon. To this union of over 50 years, three sons were born, Donald Jr. (Brigette), Walter (Cheryl), and Gerald (Carla). These three sons and their wives produced six grandchildren, Destini, Donald III, Walter II, Christian, Belinda and Donielle. Dr. Solomon was employed for over 40 years at Booker T. Washington Insurance Company. Starting as an insurance agent but rising to the position of Senior Vice President. He will forever be remembered as a trusted confidant of famed Black Businessman Dr. A.G. Gaston. He was uniquely gifted in many ways and that caused his professional tree to have many branches. He was an employee of the Smith & Gaston Funeral Home and also hosted a Sunday morning radio show on various stations around the city. In 1992 Dr. Solomon acknowledged his call to preach and became an associate preacher at the Lily Grove Baptist Church. On the second Sunday of June 1996, the Lily Grove Baptist Church called him as their pastor. He faithfully served that congregation until February of 2015. While he was the pastor of the Lily Grove Baptist Church he was instrumental in founding Congregations for Public health. This organization was designed to bridge the gap in health disparities in the African American Community. This organization, he would often say, was his most important professional endeavor. In the dawning years of his life Dr. Solomon reconnected to one of the loves of his childhood, which was gospel quartet singing. He became an integral part of a group of seasoned gospel singers who called themselves the Pillars. This group recorded and sang at events all over the state and thrilled audiences with their acapella style of singing. Known as the quintessential statesman, Dr. Solomon was loved and cherished by many and will be missed by all. In addition to his children, he leaves to cherish his memory his loving sisters, Clarice Burch, Delores English, Jean Riggins, and Ernestine Nelson. The celebration of life for Rev. Dr. Donald L. Solomon, Sr. will be held Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 2135 Jefferson Avenue SW, Birmingham, Alabama 35211. Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley will be officiating and Rev. Dr. Walter L. Solomon Sr. will be the Eulogist. Funeral Services will be rendered by Smith & Gaston Funeral Services.