Donald Charles Tinsley

Donald Charles Tinsley, 71, of Spring Creek Road, Montevallo, passed away on July 28, 2024. Don is survived by Rhonda, his wife of 35 years, their son Hunter, daughter-in-law Danielle, granddaughter Naomi, sister Claire Larkin (Floyd), brother Pete Tinsley and much-loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Don was born on October 16, 1952, in Birmingham. He attended public school in his hometown of Montevallo, Alabama, and earned a degree in Art from the University of Montevallo. He completed a Masters degree in Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Don was well known on the Birmingham music scene for many years. He began playing professionally at the age of 13. Guitar and bass were his primary instruments, but he thought of himself mostly as a songwriter, performing many of his original songs in a number of bands including Dogwood and The Mortals. Over the years, Don played with Topper Price and the Upsetters, The Primatons, The Sugar Lalas, Big Dixie, Space Camp and others too numerous to mention but known and loved by many. He also played solo and duos but preferred the dynamic of a full band. He was tireless when it came to his music. Don loved collaborating with other musicians and writers and was considered a mentor by many. Hardly a day passed that he did not start a new song or continue working on an old one. Don enjoyed talking to his friends about music and would engage in extended phone conversations that usually led to another song. He would often walk around the back yard, dodging cats, playing and composing.
Don's curiosity was insatiable, and he would delve into the details of any subject that caught his attention. He was interested in everything from botany to linguistics and was a lifelong and voracious reader. Science fiction was his genre of choice, and he always carried a book wherever he went. He was known to seek out a quiet place behind stage or outside to read a book between sets on a gig. He was also a regular contributor to Emanations, a publication dedicated to experimental literature.
Don was a man known for his genuine and caring nature. These qualities defined not only his family relationships as husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather but also with his many friends. He was always available to talk, just listen or help in any way he could.
A life celebration will take place in the near future for family and friends. We will miss him greatly.