Donald Russell Cleghorn, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocilla, Georgia on Saturday, June 4, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation from 6-8 PM, Monday, June 6, 2016, at The Paulk Funeral Home in Ocilla. The funeral and graveside services will be held at Satilla Baptist Church in Wray at 11 AM, Tuesday, June 7, 2016 with the Rev. William Pope and the Rev. George Carroll Paulk officiating.
Donald was born in Turner County on September 24, 1936, one of six children born to the late Bennie Nell Cleghorn Revell and the late Ottis Cleghorn. He began his career with Decca records moving on later to RCA Records. He then ventured into building and managing convenience/fast food stores, all known as “Lil’ Pantry”. During his retirement years, Donald loved growing and sharing vegetables from his garden, especially his onions. He also enjoyed fishing, mowing his lawn, and cooking. Being an active member at Satilla Baptist Church, he was named the honorary “sweet tea maker”. He touched the lives of many people with his smile, generosity, and his trademark sense of humor.
He was the beloved husband of Judy Register Cleghorn for 33 years. Donald leaves five beloved children: Donald (Paula) Cleghorn, Jr., Brenda (Rick) Fletcher, Michael (Linda) Cleghorn, Joy (James) Edenfield, and April Cleghorn Watson. He also had 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, all of whom he treasured dearly. Donald will forever be remembered by his devoted brothers: Ottis (Joyce) Cleghorn and Roger (Maggie) Cleghorn and his loving sisters: JoAnn Button and Jerry Ginn, Judy (Joe) Nix, and Faye (Dwight) Huggins.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the Irwin County Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, c/o Mona Paulk, 115 Kirk Lane, Ocilla, GA 31774 or to Bethany Hospice, 101 Bowens Mill Highway, Suite E, Douglas, GA 31533.