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Major General Don Follis
Murfreesboro - Major General Don Edgar Follis, age 85, of Murfreesboro, TN passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 15, 2020 with his family by his side. A native of Nashville, TN, he was born January 3, 1935. He was the son of the late Fred Edgar and Erbie McLemore Follis.
General Follis is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Frances "Sissy" Woodfin Follis; daughter, Virginia "Ginna" Love Follis; two sons, Mark Edgar Follis and his wife Laura and Don Woodfin Follis and his wife Leah all of Murfreesboro; granddaughters, Rachel Follis Dominy and her husband Nathaniel, Caroline Miller Follis, and Olivia Jane Follis; and grandson, Harrison Woodfin Follis.
General Follis was a 1952 graduate of Peabody Demonstration School in Nashville and graduated from Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN. His father taught him to fly at sixteen and he continued his love of flying when he joined the Air National Guard in 1953 and was commissioned for United States Air Force F-86 and RF-84 tactical reconnaissance pilot training earning his wings as a jet fighter-bomber in 1956.
General Follis proudly served his country with the Tennessee Air National Guard at Berry Field. During his distinguished career, he was a leader in many roles as safety officer, operation officer, and squadron commander for the 105th Tactical Airlift Squadron and as former Base Wing Commander for the 118th Airlift Wing. He was selected in January 1990 as the ANG Special Assistant to the Commander, USAF, Military Airlift Command. This was his final assignment. He retired in 1992 after accumulating over 10,000 hours of military flying time in jet fighters and large airlift airplanes.
General Follis was a family man of quiet faith who loved his family, country, and friends. He was happiest at home with his family enjoying daily walks by the Stones River and after retirement, playing golf with his buddies.
The family would like to thank Adams Place and Caris Hospice for their attentiveness to General Follis while in their care.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to Charity Circle, PO Box 11128, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 or the charity of your choice in memory of General Follis.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. A Celebration and Thanksgiving of General Follis' life will be held Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 4:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Steve Odom will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com. Woodfin Memorial Chapel (615) 893-5151
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro.
As a member of the Riverview gang, you were always opening your home to your children's' friends as well as our dog, Honey. Every time it rain we could always find her underneath your house. Once she maneuvered all the way to your closet and she welcomed you in the morning when you opened your closet door! There is no one like you. You never lost your cool in my 59 years. There are so many other traits that I hope to continue in my life. We love you and your family so very much.
Henry Huddleston
Neighbor
September 19, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Don ( one of my golfing buddies) we will all miss him. We will be praying for the family. Bob @ Anne Francis
Anne @ Bob Francis
Friend
September 19, 2020
Don put up with me quite pleasantly on my frequent trips to Murfreesboro to visit my cousins, though I did name him "curmudgeon" on one occasion. From my view, he was a great husband, father, grandfathet, friend and neighbor, and he contributed greatly to the history of the area. We will miss you.
Thank you Don.
Love to Sissy, Mark, Ginna and Don
Cousin Boo
Beulah Woodfin
September 19, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss Sissy. I remember Don in high school as we both graduated from Peabody Demonstration School (now the University School of Nashville) in 1952 and knew each other before that. I miss our not having our class reunions anymore but remember how much fun we all had at them. My older brother, Beverley R. Gooch who lives in Knoxville now, also remembered Don and sends his condolences. Savor the loving memories you'll forever hold in your heart. Best, Virginia (Gooch) Watson
Virginia (Gooch) Watson
Friend
September 18, 2020
I am sorry to hear of the passing of General Follis.
Paul Lamb, MAJ (R) TNARNG
Friend
September 18, 2020
SImply one of the nicest, kindest, most interesting people I have ever known. Literally a model for role models. I'm sorry for your loss.
Jeff Clark
Friend
September 18, 2020
Ginna, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your father. Praying for comfort for you and your family.
Lisa Emfinger
Acquaintance
September 17, 2020
Our love and sympathy go out to the Follis family. We will miss Don so much! I will always cherish the many memories of this wonderful man, his humor, and his patience with the neighborhood kids who loved being at his house and playing along the river. God speed, sir.
Karin Alexander Bailey
Friend
September 16, 2020
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Sep
19
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Sep
19
4:00 p.m.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
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Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
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