Donald (Don) Wade Basinger, Sr. of Athens passed away on February 18, 2016. Don was born in Anderson, SC on August 28, 1923 and grew up in Hartwell, GA. He was the son of Michael Herman Basinger Sr., and Jessiebelle Ashley Basinger. He was a graduate of The American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and attended William and Mary College in Virginia. A member of the "Greatest Generation" Don served his country during World War II in the European campaign and was a part of the invasion at Normandy. Following the war he continued his education at The University of Georgia and graduated in 1951 with a BBA degree. Don was a businessman in Athens for 40 years and loved being a part of the downtown community. He enjoyed all sports, but was an avid tennis player in his adult years and had a great love for Georgia Football. He was a charter member of St. James United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers Herman Basinger, Jr., and Richard (Dick) Allen Basinger both of Hartwell. Survivors include his wife Ann Cordell Basinger, sons Donald (Skip) Basinger, Jr., Athens, Michael (Mick) Basinger, Jacksonville, FL., daughters Kim Basinger, California, Barbara Guyer (Gary), and Ashley Brewer (Joe) of Athens. He was also blessed with 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild along with several nieces and nephews. Don will be sorely missed by his family. He had an extraordinary gift of humor that was loved by all who knew him. He told wonderful stories of experiences in his life and was such an encourager to others. The Basinger family would like to express its sincere gratitude to Hollander Senior Living and Compassionate Care Hospice for their care of Don for the past nine months; to Ken and Kathy Grindle and Barbara Foster of Iris Place for their care and support for the three years that he resided there. A special thanks to Rick and Ruby Lumpkin for their friendship, love, and care for Don during his declining health. Per Don's request, there will be no formal service held. His family will have a private memorial service at a later date. The family would like to request donations in Don's memory be made to Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, Atlanta, GA www.angelsrescue.org or a charity of your choice. Neptune Society, Atlanta, GA is in charge of arrangements.

8/28/1923 - 2/18/2016

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Published by Athens Banner-Herald on Feb. 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Basinger

13 Entries

Hank Tiller

February 16, 2022

My Dad was Guy Tiller and he loved Don. They are friends again in heaven.Prayers to the family. Hank Tiller- Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Hank Tiller

February 16, 2021

Half a decade later still as fine a man as they come. A life well lived

Hank Tiller

February 5, 2021

Hard to believe Don passed about five years ago. I know he knew my father very well ( Guy Tiller) and I had such a memorable conversation with him a few years before he passed. He was blessed as were those who knew him. An example we should all live up to. God Bless.

Luanne Pachios

October 17, 2016

Dear Kim,
You do not know me, but I wrote to your father over the years about St. Mere Eglise and my parents good friend, Philipe Jutras, who started the Airborne museum there and I believe you and your father visited with him in the town. Mr. Jutras was married to Antoinette, was son was the little boy your father befriended when he was there during the war. Your father had great stories and Mr. Jutras sent me many pictures of him from that visit. He was a wonderful man and even though we stopped communicating some time ago, I would think of him often. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. A footnote....my former husband and I had a party for Alec when he was running for something (my ex worked as a 24 year old for LB Johnson in the whitehouse and was and is still involved with politics) and Alec was the one who put me in touch with your father after I related the story to him that Mr. Jutras told me...of you and your father visiting St. Mere Eglise. Mr. Jutras was like an uncle to me and sadly, he has also passed away. the world becomes smaller all the time...

Bax Hammock

March 1, 2016

I only met Mr. Basinger once, but thought of him often...Good man......My sincere condolences.....

February 28, 2016

Sending Love and Prayers to the family.... Love, Ronnie And Patricia McFerrin Bracksieck (granddaughter to Hazel Ashley)

Randy Sunderland

February 26, 2016

My condolences to you Kim Basinger on your fathers passing your cousin Lisa Bell told me and my Prayers go out to you and your family. I am sure he is in heaven now and looking down to all of you and he is sitting at the right side of Jesus

February 25, 2016

Always with a smile on his face, that is how I always remember Don Basinger.
He made you feel special in his presence and his love to our family was there for everyone.
He would sit down at the piano and play with great heart and his music was enjoyed by all.
Love to your family.

Roddy & Joyce McFerin
Frisco, Texas

Jackie Talley

February 24, 2016

So sorry to hear of Don's passing.I remember him as good looking and extremely talented. My love to you all

Laura Jo Ashley

February 23, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a great favorite in the family.

RC Di TANNA

February 23, 2016

PEACE EVERLASTING

katie erwin

February 22, 2016

Dear Ann,Kim and all the Basinger siblings,
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Like my parents he lived a good life and was so proud of all of you. Angels Among Us is my very favorite animal rescue! May Peace be with you all in this time of sorrow.
Love, Katie Erwin

February 22, 2016

My deepest condolences. May prayer be a source of comfort to your family in this time of sorrow. 1Thessalonians. 5:17

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