Donald Pelfrey

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 ½ 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.

Family and friends will meet in Oak Grove Cemetery, Rockwood, TN on Wednesday June 25, 2025, at

2:00pm for graveside services.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

or St. Jude’s Children’s 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.