Donald Stites, Sr.

Donald Lee Stites, Sr, age 79 of Hendersonville, TN, born June 19, 1933, entered into his eternal life with his Lord Jesus Christ on April 3, 2013. Don was preceded in death by his father and mother, Stanley D and Pearl M Stites, brother Charles Dean Stites; sisters Dorothy Wetzel, Josephine Groves, Lillian Stone, and Dora Crum. Don is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Beth Cook Stites; sons Danny Marsha Smiley, Lester Ellen Stites, and Donald Leeanne Stites, Jr; 10 Grandchildren Serena Brian Collingsworth, Freddie Biggs, Rachel Steven Wilson, Brian Dana Biggs, Jonathan Stites, Rebecca Chad Clinard, Jeffery Stites, Jesse Brittenie Stites, Daniel Brittany Smiley, and Jordan Stites; 11 Great-Grandchildren Christopher Biggs, Hunter Collingsworth, Katie Rae Wilson, Peyton Biggs, Alie Grace Wilson, Kaylee Biggs, Wesley Wilson, Nash Clinard, Noah Clinard, Ella Clinard, and Easton Smiley. Don's surviving siblings include Tom Dea Stites, Stanley Helen Stites, Max Mary Stites, Priscilla McGregor, and Pauline Miller. Don was a veteran of the Korean War. He retired from Hardaway Construction where he worked as a construction estimator. Don worshiped at Hendersonville First Baptist Church and was an active member of the church choir. He was an active leader in the Middle Tennessee Tres Dias where he served as Rector of Weekend #21. He was a member of the Hendersonville Masonic Lodge #359. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a Past Worshipful Master of the Greenbrier Masonic Lodge #753. Don was a member of the Al Menah Shrine Temple, the York Rites, and the Scottish Rites. He is a Past Captain of The Al Menah Chanters, and a Past Captain of the Provost Guard.Friends may visit with the family on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Hendersonville First Baptist Church 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd Hendersonville, TN 37075 from 2-8 pm. There will be a Masonic Service at 7pm that evening. The family will also receive visitors starting at 1pm on Saturday, April 6, 2013 until 2pm, the time of the funeral service.Serving as pallbearers are Jeffery Stites, Jonathan Stites, Jordan Stites, Jesse Stites, Daniel Smiley, Brian Biggs, Freddie Biggs, Brian Collingsworth, and David Stone.Honorary pallbearers are Al Watkins, CJ Hankins, Charlie Weaver, Scott Neal, Bobby Jackson, Darrell Ethridge, Mike Todd, Fred Bracey.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Fred Bracey Sunday School Class at Hendersonville First Baptist Church. Hendersonville Funeral Home and Memory Gardens 353 Johnny Cash Parkway Hendersonville, TN 37075 615.824.3855 is in charge of all arrangements.