Donald Dean Birchfield of Roan Mountain went home to be with the Lord unexpectedly on Saturday, November 24, 2018, at Johnson City Medical Center. Donald was born in Russell County, Va., to the late Burns B. Birchfield and Ira Bell Street Birchfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Joan Ellis Birchfield; two sons, Derek Dean Birchfield and his infant son, Donald Dean Birchfield Jr.
Donald was the greatest father in the world and will be missed terribly. He was a United States Army veteran, where had served as a paratrooper. Donald was a businessman and had worked in insurance sales and served as a commissioner of Roan Mountain Water Department. He was an avid golfer and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Donald enjoyed college basketball, loved Cloudland football and Cloudland Highlander basketball — he never missed a game.
Those left to cherish his memory include five daughters, Myra Michele Birchfield and husband Kenny of Marion, N.C., Jill Susann Birchfield of Banner Elk, N.C., DonAnn Birchfield of Bay City, Texas, Erica Ann Birchfield and Samantha Dawn Birchfield, both of North Carolina; his grandchildren, Sandra Michele Johnson, Stachia Brooke Johnson Stevens, Megan Myria Johnson, Derek Lee Birchfield Stevens, Brianna and Cara; a loving and devoted friend, Connie Benfield Tilson of Johnson City; and one sister, Geraldine “Jerri” Collins and husband Roger of Unicoi.
A service to celebrate the life of Donald Dean Birchfield will be conducted at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 2, in the Rhododendron Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Roan Mountain, with a eulogy provided by his daughters. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, December 3, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. Monday. The family would like to especially thank Connie Benfield Tilson and Tiffany Adams for the love and care shown to Donald. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Birchfield and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Roan Mountain. Office: (423) 772-3928. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.