Donald Rayburn Baskin

Donald Rayburn Baskin, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and coach, passed away on July 25, 2025, at the age of 75. A native Nashvillian, he was born November 18, 1949, to Arthur and Jean Baskin.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Jean Baskin, his wife of 41 years with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship, Beverly Williams Baskin, and his beloved son, Donnie Baskin. He is survived by his daughters, Danielle (Brian) Waldron and Ashley (Troy) Bunch, and son Andrew Baskin. He took great pride in his granddaughters, Emerson and Anna Claire Waldron and Abby and Addison Bunch, and treasured every moment spent with them. He is also survived by his brother Terry (Donna) Baskin, Sherry (Jerry) Lomax, and JoAnn (Don) Turner, and so many nieces, nephews, and cousins with whom he shared countless memories and unbreakable bonds.

Don married his soulmate, Beverly Williams, March 12, 1983. They had four children and built a beautiful life together. Even during the most difficult of times, he continued to point his family to Jesus. Because of his Godly leadership, his three surviving children continue their close relationship and support of one another.

A huge part of Don's life was his involvement with church. He grew up at Radnor Baptist Church and accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 8. He then became a member of Two Rivers Baptist Church, where he attended for fifty years. During that time, he was ordained as a Deacon, and had the opportunity to teach in the Youth and Adult Departments for twenty-four years. He spent the last three years as a member of Donelson First Baptist, where he was recently elected Chairman of the Deacons. He considered it a great honor to serve in his church.

Don coached Little League Baseball and travel baseball for thirty-two years. One of his Little League teams made it to the Little League World Series in 1983! He was called to be a Coach, and he taught his players about so much more than baseball. He taught them what it means to work hard and be team players. He mentored them. In some cases, he served as a father figure. He led many players to Christ, and to him, that was what he was most proud of.

He worked as a mortgage banker from 1973-2023. During his career, he was a Regional Manager responsible for mortgage lending in Georgia and Tennessee. He served as President of the Nashville Mortgage Banker's Association in 2002. In his 50 years as a mortgage banker, he provided many of his former baseball players opportunities for their first jobs right out of college, continuing his mentorship from baseball into the business world.

In 2007, Don was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and placed on the lung transplant list in 2008. On July 10th, 2008, he received the gift of two new lungs. He served as a volunteer for Tennessee Donor Services and Donate Life Tennessee and spoke to large groups about organ donation. He never stopped praying for his donor's family and continued to thank them for their selfless gift.

Don was a natural leader with a heart for serving, and His love for Jesus showed in everything he did. Whether it was in the office at work, on the baseball field, or cheering for the Tennessee Vols, he ministered to others and touched many, many lives. He always put God first and family second and had a faith that could move mountains. No matter what, he continued to praise the Lord in all things. He fought the good fight. He finished the race. He is now HOME.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, August 10th, at 5pm at Donelson First Baptist, 2526 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. Visiting hours will be held Saturday, August 9th, from 4-8pm and Sunday, August 10th, from 2-5pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the DCA Annual Fund (www.dcawildcats.org) in honor of Don and Beverly Baskin or, Donate Life Tennessee (donatelifetn.org).