Donald "Don" Eugene Waugh

Mr. Donald Eugene “Don” Waugh, age 90, of Vidalia, died Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia.  He was a native of Huntington, West Virginia, and in 1953, he traveled to Statesboro from Huntington to attend Georgia Teacher’s College on a baseball scholarship and because of his athleticism, he also played on the basketball team.  Shortly after arriving in Statesboro, he met the love of his life, Faye Waters, and they married on May 30, 1954, at New Hope United Methodist Church in Brooklet.  They remained in Statesboro until completing their education.  In 1964, they moved to Vidalia with their three children and made Vidalia their home. 

Don was the unquestioned spiritual leader for his family, and he devoted himself to God and his church.  He was a charter member of Grace United Methodist Church in Vidalia, long-time member of Vidalia United Methodist Church, now Vidalia Cornerstone Church.  Don was a devoted member of the Men’s Bible Class, where he taught Sunday school and one of the women’s Sunday school class, the Era Alexander Sunday School Class, for over thirty years.  He was a regular member of the church choir as he was able.  He had a daily devotion to Bible study, and he shared his faith with everyone.

Don worked in several different professions as a successful salesman, due in large part to his magnetic smile and his genuine love for people.  He was a Dale Carnegie instructor and salesman, insurance salesman, and golf course developer.  He was active in the Jaycees, Vidalia Lions Club, he served as Vidalia High School Band Boosters President for many years and was responsible for bringing the FSU Circus as a major fundraiser.  He performed in numerous Franklinia Playhouse productions and was a member of the Vidalia Community Chorus.  He was an avid golfer who enjoyed spending time and supporting his son, wife, and grandchildren on their game.  He was a passionate gardener who took pride in his yard where he spent countless hours.  His favorite love in life was simply spending time with his family, and he always made it his highest priority without exception. 

He is preceded in death by his wife of seventy years, Faye Waters Waugh; parents, Mac Aley Waugh and Lillie Bell Casey Waugh; and six siblings, Kenneth Waugh, Bob Waugh, Jim Waugh, Erma Lee Deppner, Judy Carroll, and Norma Moore.

His family includes one son, Donald Steven Waugh and wife Cindi of Naples, Florida; two daughters, Anna Marie Tyson and husband John, and Donna F. Hamilton and husband Mitch, all of Vidalia; one sister, Nancy McComas and husband Boots; one sister-in-law, Anna Waugh, all of Huntington; nine grandchildren, Daniel Harrell and wife Cassie, Blair Brady and husband Art, Josh Harrell and wife Allison, Laura Dowd and husband Taylor, Mack Waugh and wife Katie, Ian Brown and wife Jessi, Alexia Banuelos and husband Sean, Drew Tyson and wife Sam, and Jamey Tyson; thirteen great-grandchildren, Carter Harrell, Carson Harrell, Luke Harrell, Rachel Dowd, Lily Mack Brady, Willie Brady, Kaylee Waugh, Brooks Harrell, Harben Brady, Ryan Waugh, Hailey Waugh, Quincy Brown, and Ezra Banuelos; and special caregiver, Ingrid Tukes.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00.

The funeral service will be Friday morning February 14th, 2025, at 11:00 at Vidalia Cornerstone Church with Reverend Jim Smith, Reverend Jose Caraballo, and Pastor Ben Cathy officiating.  Entombment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens with Reverend David Blalock officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vidalia Cornerstone Church, PO Box 150, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Pallbearers are Daniel Harrell, Josh Harrell, Mack Waugh, Art Brady, Taylor Dowd, Carter Harrell, Carson Harrell, and Ian Brown.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements. 

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