OBITUARY: Don Witherspoon

Our Cowboy, Don Witherspoon, saddled up for his final ride on July 27, 2024 and rode that beautiful trail straight into Eternity. How very special that this day has officially been declared by the US Senate as “National Day of the American Cowboy”. He certainly was that.

Growing up, Don wanted to be three things: a farmer, a cowboy and a law man. He got to be ALL of those things and so much more.

His law enforcement career spanned nearly 5 decades of dedicated and extraordinary service. He didn’t consider any of those days as “work.” He was living his dream.

Don was a graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, the Southern Police Institute and the FBI Training Academy.

He began his career in 1973 as an Officer with Tennessee’s Public Service Commission, ensuring the safety and compliance of the trucking industry. He was known for making more drug-related arrests than anyone in the Agency. He was determined to get unsafe drivers and trucks off the roads.

In 1978 he joined Nashville international Airport Police. His 25 years there culminated as Captain – Operations Commander over Police, Crash Fire Rescue, Bomb Squad, S.W.A.T. and K-9. He and his partner “Bo“ were the first explosive detection team at the Airport. Don’s vision for the vital role K-9 teams could provide in protecting the traveling public has been realized through the many teams that consistently earn national recognition for their excellent work.

In 2004 Don “unretired“ and joined the Wilson County Sherrif’s Office as Sgt over the Court Division, as well as forming the Mounted Patrol Unit, K-9 Search and Rescue Unit and responding to bomb threats.

An unlikely assignment to oversee the Sheriff’s SCAN program (Senior Citizen’s Awareness Network) became his mission and fulfillment of his calling to serve at-risk elderly citizens. Along with the SCAN Director and the many dedicated SCAN volunteers, he was happy to be a protector, advocate, and problem solver for their needs. Even as his own health and strength declined, he truly loved all of his “little people“. In 2021, his health forced his retirement from full-time service.

Don was an “animal whisperer“ and especially enjoyed his horses and German Shepherds. He leaves behind his Mounted Patrol horse “Cisco”, Beauty and Star, K-9s Echo & Ella, his lapdog buddy “Rocco”, as well as a varying number of rabbits and farm cats. daily visits by deer, turkeys and others that show up to be fed. The wild ones will miss their daily treats.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, James “Doc“ Witherspoon, Johnny and Laverne Reece and sister Wanda Dickson of Rives, TN.

Above all earthly things, Don loved his family and was so proud of all his little “‘spoons”.
Left to celebrate his life and cherish his memory are his wife, Judy and their children and grandchildren: Shane, (Beth) Witherspoon of Franklin, TN, Deica Witherspoon Disney of Troy, TN, Justin, (Bettena) Witherspoon of Murfreesboro, TN
Grandchildren: Kristen, Korbin, Faith, Raegan, Cambria, Willa, Wrenley, Deane and Wyatt Witherspoon, Jayda and Aden Disney. Sister Teresa (Greg) Marks of Rives, TN, as well as nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Many people know that Don was a master storyteller and an unrepentant prankster. He was in his element when telling jokes and entertaining everyone. That, and his wonderful “country cooking” made him seem pretty close to perfect. We will forever miss and remember him with so much gratitude for the time he was with us. We will have his “Dad”, “PaPa” and “Spooner” stories to share and enjoy until we meet again.
Happy Trails, Cowboy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Partlow Funeral Chapel from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Wilson County SCAN program in Don’s memory.

PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements. 615-444-7007 https://partlowchapel.com

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