William Donald "Don" Mosley

William Donald "Don" Mosley
Born: March 24, 1943, Morganton, GA
Called Home: December 30, 2025

William Donald "Don" Mosley, 82, of Tennessee, went to his Heavenly Home on December 30, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stella Vera Mosley and John Elias Mosley, as well as his dear friends, John and Shirley Graham. He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis Mosley, his daughter Cassandra Mosley, and son-in-law Otis Trent, who was not only a son-in-law but also a cherished best friend. He is also survived by his nephew-in-law, Marcus Mitchell, whose compassion and care were a great comfort during Don's final months. He leaves behind a host of loving friends, including Otis' sister, Sherry Luttrell, a caregiver of both Don and Phyllis. In addition, loving friend and caregiver, Thorn Wakefield.

Don was a graduate of the University of Maryland and was working for the FBI in Washington, D.C., when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the 82nd Airborne and was stationed in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he returned to his career in law enforcement as a Georgia State Patrolman. He later retired from General Motors Corporation and law enforcement, then spent his time on the road as an over-the-road trucker. He and his wife, Phyllis, eventually moved to Tennessee, her birthplace, to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Prior to his illness, Don's heart was as vast as his contributions to the community. He was a passionate advocate for the rights of the elderly, children, and animals. A proud supporter of military veterans and law enforcement, Don also dedicated much of his time to his Church and to those in need. He spent countless hours volunteering, visiting the homebound and nursing home residents, driving friends to medical appointments, and offering a steady, compassionate presence in the lives of those who needed him most.

He had a deep passion for woodworking, creating exquisite hand-crafted wood art that will be treasured by his family forever. Don was also a massive NASCAR fan, always ready to talk racing and, in particular, his admiration for Dale Earnhardt, Sr. He had the unforgettable opportunity to meet him at NASCAR event in Atlanta, GA, which remains a cherished memory.

While he was a lifelong supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs. His daughter Cassandra's playful teasing eventually converted him into a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers as well. His sense of humor, elaborate pranks, and lighthearted spirit were well-known, and he embraced life with a joy that brought a smile to everyone around him, especially during the Christmas season, which he prepared for year-round.

A Celebration of Life

A public Celebration of Life will be held at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in the Graduate School of Medicine Conference Room on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM, with Chaplain Coy Callicott officiating. A second public Celebration of Life will be held at New Salem United Methodist Church (2417 Tipton Station Rd, Knoxville, TN) on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with Pastor Wayne Hickman officiating.

Honoring His Medical/Spiritual Team

We are deeply grateful to the entire University of Tennessee Pastoral Care Team for your love, unwavering support, and, most importantly, your powerful prayers. Your presence brought us peace and strength when we needed it most. You carried us through the hardest times, and we will forever be thankful for the comfort you provided.

A special thank you to Chaplain Coy Callicott for your personal care, prayers, and constant support. Your kindness and guidance were a beacon of light for us, and we are forever grateful for the strength you gave us during this difficult time.

The family wants to express our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Don with unwavering compassion and dedication. The physicians, nurses, and staff at the University of Tennessee Medical Center were not just caregivers, they became a part of our family. In particular, we are forever thankful to Dr. Roberto Fernandez-Romero, Kate Black, and everyone at the Pat Summitt Clinic, who went above and beyond in their care for Don. They treated him with a level of kindness and respect that transcended patient care, making him feel like he was truly part of their family.

We also extend our profound thanks to Dr. Isaac Biney, Dr. Elman M. Urbina Meneses, and the entire team at University Pulmonary and Critical Care. Their tireless work, compassion, and commitment to Don's well-being never wavered. Your dedication and love were a lifeline to us during the most difficult of times, and we will carry that gratitude with us always.

To the University Hospitalists who provided continuous and attentive care, we are incredibly grateful for your unwavering commitment.

Everyone's collective care went beyond the clinical. You brought comfort not just to Don, but to our entire family, and for that, we will be forever thankful.

A special thank you from the depths of our hearts goes to the faculty and staff in the Department of Medicine. Your love, grace, and kindness were a guiding light for Cassandra during her father's transition to his Heavenly Home. You surrounded her with the strength and support she so desperately needed in those final moments, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

We also want to acknowledge everyone at The Waters of Maryville. The love and care you showed Don went beyond anything we could have ever hoped for. You were his rock in his final months, providing not just medical care, but the kind of compassion that made him feel truly valued and comforted. You treated him with dignity and respect, and it meant the world to our family. The love and attention you have shown both of them will never be forgotten. Your support has given us peace, knowing Phyllis is in such capable, loving hands. We will carry that gratitude with us for the rest of our lives.

Lastly, our heartfelt gratitude goes Pastor Wayne Hickman, Rachel Hickman and everyone to the New Salem United Methodist Church family. Your prayers, support, and constant love helped lift us through some of our darkest days. The community you have built around us has been a source of strength, and we will forever be thankful for the warmth and kindness you have shown us during this time.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Holley Gamble Meier

A sincere and special thank you to Holley Gamble Meier of Holley Gamble Funeral Home for her incredible compassion and unwavering dedication to Don. Holley treated Don like family, going above and beyond in every way to ensure that his final journey was handled with the utmost care, respect, and love. Her personal attention and support to the family during this difficult time will never be forgotten.

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