Vietnam Veteran Donald Robert Dingman

Vietnam Veteran Donald Robert Dingman – 82

of Ray City, GA went home to be with the Lord at 3:45 pm on October 26, 2016. Don was born in Torrington, Conneticut on September 11, 1934. He graduated from Millington High School in Millington, Tennessee where he met and married the love of his life, Helen Jean Pilgrim, on January 17, 1954. In his last two years of high school he served in the Naval Reserve before transferring his services to the Air Force. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after serving his country for 24 years which included two tours in Southeast Asia. Throughout his life, Don had an amazing sense of humor that was enjoyed by everyone who knew him. His words of encouragement left everyone feeling understood and appreciated. His professional and personal leadership was inspiring and his guidance and support was everlasting. He was a bright light that warmed everyone he touched. He had a gracious spirit, a brilliant mind, unmatched compassion and a heart of gold that left everyone feeling lucky to have met such a captivating man. He will be greatly missed! Don was preceded in death by his mother, father, and younger brother.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen Jean, his children, Constance Shearl Gene of Ray City, GA, Catherine Gillman of Lakeridge, VA, Christopher Dingman of Nashville, TN and Carolyn Brady of Ray City, GA. Other survivors include 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at Music Funeral Services, 88 W. Main St. Lakeland, GA from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, October 28, 2016. Funeral Services will be at the Lakeland Chapel of Music Funeral Services at 11 a.m. on Saturday October 29, 2016. Interment will be at Beaver Dam Cemetery in Ray City, GA following service. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com . Music Funeral Services of Lakeland, GA is serving the family.