Donald Lee Eller's Obituary
Donald Lee Eller, 78, passed away peacefully in Lineville, Alabama on December 14, 2025. A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 17, 2026 in the sanctuary of Wedowee First United Methodist Church, Wedowee Alabama at 11:00. The family will receive visitors between 10:00 and 10:45.
He was predeceased by his mother, Catherine Page Eller Carlton and his father, Calvin Warren Eller.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice Lynn Waits Eller, and his two children, Jennifer Lightfoot (Stephen) and Brad Eller (Diana), and his grandchildren, Elliott Eller and Edith Lightfoot as well as his two sisters, Carol Murchland and Juanita Duvall, his nephew, Daniel Murchland and his niece, Kim Holder.
Don, as he was known by his friends, was born in and spent the early years of his life in Northeast Georgia where he became interested in sports, fishing and scouting. As a teenager he moved with his mother and stepfather to Atlanta where he graduated in 1965 from Murphy High School. During his time there he continued as an active Boy Scout and played on the Murphy Eagles football team.
In the fall of 1965, he was a walk-on member of the University of Georgia Bullpups football team, coached by Erk Russell, whose coaching techniques later influenced Don when he coached young players who were members of the Douglas County Rebels youth football program in the late 1970’s and early ‘80’s.
Besides coaching, he enjoyed camping trips with his family and trout fishing in the creeks of North Georgia, particularly Wildcat Creek. He was also a proud encourager of any activities in which his children participated.
Don spent his career working on large scale projects, including the interstate system and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. After retiring, Don and Janice moved to Wedowee, Alabama and spent 22 happy years on Lake Wedowee. He had a passionate desire to restore a wooden boat and was regularly seeking such projects, as well as rebuilding car engines, home addition projects, and helping out friends with their projects.
As a member of the Wedowee First United Methodist Church he was very active, serving on Trustees committee, the Scouts Council, and singing in the choir.
During his retirement he and Janice took several cruises, exploring Great Britain, Europe and Asia. He enjoyed seeing famous and ancient sites, trying out new food, and making new friends.
Throughout his life, Don had a great love of music and musicians. And he passed along that love to both of his children. From Bluegrass to Southern Gospel, from 60’s Soul to Fleetwood Mac and 70’s Country Music, in his final years, he enjoyed PBS specials featuring the old artists in concert. And his greatest pleasure during the last few years was attending live performances held at the 48 West Listening Room in Wedowee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the general fund of Wedowee First United Methodist Church, PO Box 151, Wedowee, Alabama, 36278.
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