Donald Ray Ferrell

Donald "Don" Ray Ferrell

Donald ("Don", "Doney", "Deedee") Ray Ferrell was born January 22, 1942, in Lebanon Junction, Bullitt County, Kentucky, and passed away peacefully at his home on the afternoon of October 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Don grew up with humble beginnings and an early, relentless work ethic that shaped his life. He graduated from Howard High School in Nashville, Tennessee in 1960. Don and Dian were married on July 8, 1962, beginning a 63-year journey, a partnership that reflected their shared values and steadfast commitment to one another.

A self-made entrepreneur, Don worked various jobs in his youth including selling watermelons at a gas station, delivering newspapers, cleaning car windows of motel guests, and selling cups of Coca Cola to patrons waiting to enter the Ryman Auditorium to attend the Grand Ole Opry. Don started Donald R. Ferrell and Associates, a company hired by The Fort Worth Star Telegram, The Dallas Times Herald, and The Dallas Morning News to increase circulation. He later owned and operated Colors Carpet Cleaning and All Star Vending.

Beyond his career, Don dedicated his time and energy to serving his community. As a proud member and leader within the Sunrise Rotary Club, he embodied the principle of "Service Above Self." He was a charter member and held various leadership positions including Rotary president and Assistant District Governor. He also taught junior-high Sunday school and mentored countless young people who came to him for guidance. Don would often defer to the Rotary Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Don was a lifelong lover of baseball, both as a player and coach, and even worked as an umpire for a time! He took great pride in encouraging others to give their best on and off the field. 

Don loved hunting and fishing and was passionate about the Wild West. So much so, he had a life sized buffalo statue in his back yard, complete with prairie grass and coyotes. He also had a full sized Indian mannequin named "Wampum" who rode shot gun in his van for many years (and no, this was not for the HOV lane). He participated in several working cattle drives. He always believed he had been born in the wrong era. Lonesome Dove was his favorite movie, and in many ways thought Gus McCrae, Woodrow Call, and Lori Darling were personal friends of his.

Don's storytelling and sense of humor became part of his signature charm. Whether he was quoting a western, listening to George Jones or Bob Seger, or cheering for his grandchildren, Don made ordinary moments unforgettable. He had a big personality, a quick wit, and the kind of laugh you couldn't forget - the life of the party wherever he went.

Above all else, Don's greatest joy was his family. He was deeply proud of each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren-celebrating their accomplishments, large and small, and reminding them that effort, integrity, and faith mattered most. He was their steady presence, encourager, and protector, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to guide them. Don's motto was, "It's All About Family."

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Ervin Ferrell and Stella Marie Ferrell, and his sister, Margaret Ferrell West. He is survived by his wife, Dian Ferrell; sons Chris Ferrell, Shane Ferrell and wife Kathy, Matt Ferrell and wife Cari; daughter Keirstin Vaccaro and husband Tony; grandchildren Drew Ferrell, Blair Ferrell Kim and husband Dae, Caroline Ferrell Smith and husband Lance, Trevor Vaccaro, Kenzie Vaccaro, Cooper Ferrell, Sloane Vaccaro, Parker Ferrell, Pierce Ferrell, and Garrett Ferrell; and great-grandchildren Juniper Kim and Rory Smith.

A Celebration of Don's Life will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at Gospel City Church, 2221 W. Park Row, Arlington, Texas, on the campus of Pantego Christian Academy.

Don's life was a testament to faith, family, hard work and service-a life well lived, a laugh well loved, and a man well remembered.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23