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BORN
1938
DIED
2025
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Donald Pelfrey Obituary
Born: May 5, 1938 | Died: June 20, 2025
Mr. Donald Ray Pelfrey Sr., born May 5, 1938, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 20,2025. Known to many as Dad, Poppy, Papaw and a host of other names, he was the kind of man, who made an impression everywhere he went. He had a deep love for Jesus, his family, Tennessee Volunteer sports, old Westerns, and a good round of golf. He picked on everyone constantly and we absolutely loved him for it. His teasing was a trademark of his affection, and his presence was always larger than life. Our hearts weren't ready to let him go, but heaven was ready for him to come home. And now it's better, sweeter and more complete, because he is there waiting for us.
Don is preceded in death by wife of 44 years: Helen Sue Gouge Pelfrey.
His parents: George and Sally Pelfrey.
One daughter: LaDonna Midkiff.
Three brothers and four Sisters: John Pelfrey, Billy "Wormy" Pelfrey, George "Peck" Pelfrey, Joan Hedrick, Edith Jones, Bay Springfield, Margie Bowman.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 1/2 years: Judy Roberts Pelfrey.
His Children: Don Jr. & Regina Pelfrey, Keith & Melanie Pelfrey, Kristi & Brian Hanley, Sherri & Larry Lay, John & Katie Morton.
His Grandchildren: Rebecca Pelfrey, Donnie Pelfrey, Sabrina Pelfrey-Babin (Zander), Jackie Lee Midkiff (Courtney), Kenzie Midkiff (Sylvi), Gracie Midkiff, Tyler Lay (Hayley), Hannah Beaty (Tanner), Luke Lay, Tanner Hanley (Harley), Bryce Hanley (Betsy), Blake Morton (Alisha), Lily Morton, Conner Morton, Lauren Morton, Logan Hardin (Madison), Matt Childress (Ami-Jo), Brandon Childress (Karla).
His Great Grandchildren w/nicknames: Haley Pelfrey/Meanness (Matthew), Lexi Walker/Skunk Butt, Mackenzie Beaty/Punkin, Peyton Young/P. P., Nora Lay/Norda, Georgia Hanley/Peaches, Millie Lay/Princess, Brooks Beaty/King, Coming in October Weslie Southerland Hanley, Paige Bowling (Connor), Morgan Walker (Brycen), Bryson Childress, Ali-Jo Childress, Jonathan Childress.
Two sisters-in-law: Rosie Tarner, Bea Gouge.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Davis Funeral Home, Harriman from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Graveside services will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Rockwood.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to East Tennessee Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Don's memory.
Davis Funeral Home in Harriman is honored to serve the family of Mr. Donald Ray Pelfrey, Sr. during this time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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