Don Raffield

Don Raffield, age 94, residing in Lebanon, TN, passed away on February 4, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 1:00pm at Love's Way Church, 310 Coles Ferry Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087.

William Donald Raffield was born one of 11 children in Panama City, FL to Annie Lee Williams Raffield and Clayton Cleveland Raffield. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 and served for four years during the Korean War, including a two year deployment to England.

After his military service, Don attended Florida State University and became a lifelong Seminole, a loyalty he endeavored to pass down to his family; as a toddler, his granddaughter could belt out the FSU fight song along with him. There he obtained a BA degree (Social Sciences major, English/English Literature minor) in just two and a half years. He later earned a Master of Science in Education from Loyola University, followed by a Masters Plus 30 Hours Certificate (which was a Doctoral equivalent for professional purposes).

Don married Dorothy Jean Zealor in 1965, and together they had a fulfilling life. They were a tirelessly generous couple, always open-handed and open-hearted with their resources, their time, and their hospitality. They made friends of everyone they met. Both were well known for their humor, with distinct laughs that could cut through the noise of a crowded restaurant.

Don had a deep love for the Lord and for his family. He served as Pastor at The Worship Center in Maryland in his early years and more recently as Associate Pastor at Love's Way Church in Lebanon, TN.

He was a school teacher by profession and proud to say that in his entire career, he only taught at three schools: Everett Jr. High School; Rutherford High School; and Aberdeen High School, where he was chairman of the social studies department. He was also a Biblical scholar with a powerful teaching gift and an ability to help others grow in their understanding and love for the Word of God.

Don always prioritized reading and studying a variety of subjects, which added structure to his natural way with words. He was a gifted writer and storyteller and especially enjoyed sharing stories about his time in England. Classic movies and classic cars moved his soul. Don was known for his wide internal catalog of songs, which he proved regularly by providing a song for every situation. His insights and songs will be greatly missed.

Don is survived by his children Sandra Michelle "Missi" Raffield and Donald Craig "Donnie" (Cindi) Raffield, grandchildren Lea (Andrew) Collins, Sarah Riley, Emily (Derek) Sage, Kim Raffield, and Bethany (James) Evans, along with great-grandchildren Brennan, Cora, and Eleanor Sage, and Aislynn, Parker, Ellena, and Gabriel Evans. His wife of 57 years, Dorothy Jean Raffield, passed away in July of 2022. He is also preceded in death by his parents Annie and Clayton Raffield, brothers Burt, Bob, Carl, and T.J. Raffield, and sisters Birdie Davis, Jewel Eddins, Sue Wesler, twins Myrtle Danley and Myrtice Smith, and Eloyce Pratt.

Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.