Donald "Don" Hugh Tomlinson

Donald Hugh Tomlinson, Sr.

Don, as affectionately known by most, left his earthly vessel to be with his savior on Tuesday January 13, 2015 after a valiant fight to remain with his beloved family. He will be remembered most as a devoted family man who counted his loving wife of 45 years, kids and grandkids as the highest of all treasures under the sun. Don was set apart by his Heavenly Father with a spirit of kindness that everyone he met throughout his life encountered. This world has lost a thoughtful, witty, and generous man with the warmest smile and infectious laughter.
Don was born February 25, 1948 in a small wood home in Lowndes County as the fourth child of twelve to Lamar "L.M." and Alberta Tomlinson. He was tenderly called Donnie by his parents, six brothers, five sisters, and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. At the earliest of ages the large family and farm-life ingrained a hard work ethic and responsibility in Don that always remained with him. Daily commonplace farm chores began before sunrise and kept the Tomlinson kids busy past sunset. As one of the eldest kids he was also keenly involved in the care and upbringing of his younger siblings.
Don was part of the last graduating class of Hahira High in 1966 and immediately enrolled in Valdosta State College. As the Vietnam War progressed Don left school and enlisted in the United States Army in 1967. Upon performing well and scoring highly in basic training Don was assigned to the Army Security Agency ASA and received specialized training in intercepting communications. Don served his country with pride until such time he was returned to his family following a tractor accident that left his father paralyzed and unable to farm. As the eldest available son, he was sent home to tend to his family's needs.
While on leave Don was introduced to Donna M. Bradford of Lakeland, Georgia. She was a pretty country girl from a neighboring county. Don and Donna's chemistry and affection was undeniable to both and after a six month courtship Don proposed to the love of his life. They were married and began a life together five months later on June 15, 1969. The following year a job opportunity in management with Jim Walter Homes moved the couple to Ocala, Florida. On August 16, 1970 Don's daughter and apple of his eye, Pamela Michelle, was born. Realizing his bride was homesick he sold his prized Browning shotgun to move his family back to Georgia. For his 50th birthday his loving wife surprised him with a brand new replacement Browning shotgun. Soon after returning home Don's son and namesake, Donald Hugh, Jr., was born on April 7, 1972.
Through Don's early career he was the sales manager and top salesman at several manufacturing plants in the affordable housing industry. He won many top sales awards and was recognized many times for his leadership and sales abilities. The family moved to Thomasville Georgia in 1980 with another job opportunity for Don. Don was also a successful entrepreneur. First opening a popular retail clothing and boot store, Don's Western Wear, with his wife which they ran together for several years. During the mid-80s Don embarked on a new endeavor with the opening of his first of four retail manufactured home stores. His son Hugh joined him in business in 1994. Don had more success than most in a very difficult industry and was considered one of the best retailers in the Southeast. Don sold his retail company in 2006 and retired two years later. He was considered a master salesman but more importantly a kind and fair businessman. Over his full career Don helped thousands of people achieve affordable home ownership.
Don enjoyed his retirement with his beloved wife of 45 years at their home on Lake Talquin in Gadsden County Florida. Don and Donna's life together will be remembered as a love story for the ages, a shining example of abiding love. When not doting on his family, especially his four grandchildren, Don could be found tinkering outside with small building projects, fixing small machinery, riding his tractor, or working on some creative idea. Don also found relaxation by reading his paper, watching the news, and enjoying a good nap.
Don was preceded in death by his parents L.M. and Alberta Tomlinson, his brother Luther Tomlinson, his brother John Wayne Tomlinson, his father-n-law Wallace Bradford, and numerous extended relatives. He is survived by his wife Donna B. Tomlinson, daughter Pamela and her husband Jim Hancock of Thomasville, Ga, son D. Hugh Tomlinson, Jr. and his wife Julie from Tallahassee, FL, granddaughters Maegan Tomlinson, Taylor Faye Tomlinson, Isabella Hancock, and grandson Tanner Tomlinson, mother-n-law Odessa Bradford of Lakeland, Ga, sister Rose Read of Lakeland, Ga, brother Tommy Tomlinson and his wife Judy of Melrose, FL, brother Harry Tomlinson and his wife Linda of Fort Meyers, FL, sister Ivey Clanton of St. Simmons Island, GA, sister Dr. Joy and her husband Dr. Gary Meyer of Stillwater, OK, sister Marsha Wetherington of Spring Hill, TN, sister Margie and her husband John Crane of Myrtle Beach, SC, brother Lyle Tomlinson and his wife Leanna of Cincinnati, OH, brother Terry Tomlinson of Atlanta, GA, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2015 in Unity United Methodist Church Lakeland, GA at 2:00 PM with burial to follow in Fender CemeteryLakeland, GA. The family will receive friends Friday, January 16, 2015 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home in Lakeland, GA. Flowers will be accepted or please make donations to Unity United Methodist Church, 224 Unity Church Road Lakeland, GA 31635 in memory of Don Tomlinson. Condolences may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com Music Funeral Services of Lakeland, GA is serving the family.