Donald L. "Don" Workman

1943 - 2022

WORKMAN, Donald "Don" L., age 79, passed away November 13, 2022, surrounded by his family. Don was born November 9, 1943, in Louisville, K.Y., and was the son of Earl Samuel Workman and Ruby Gertrude Moore. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Frances; his children, Deidre Rose of Richmond, Dana Hamer of Annapolis, M.D., and William Murphy of Richmond; his identical twin brother, Dick Workman of Ashland; his sister, Gay Burton of Fallston, M.D.; five grandchildren, Alex, Sam, Ashlee, Marina and Maisy; and many nieces and nephews. He was recently preceded in death by his older brother, Larry Workman of Arlington, Va. Don was born into a country music family with deep roots in Virginia's country music scene in the 1940s and '50s. Don's roots included his father, uncles and aunt (Sunshine Sue) of the Rock Creek Rangers, WLS, WRVA, and Old Dominion Barn Dance fame. Don and his brother Dick began playing music in their teens and achieved popularity as The Workman Twins. They appeared several times on the Old Dominion Barn Dance and in local and regional music festivals and ultimately signed their first record deal with Dot Records in 1959. Eventually, both Don and his brother changed paths, both attending pharmacy school and becoming pharmacists in the area. Don was affectionately known as the "singing pharmacist." While pharmacy was his vocation, country music was a love and mainstay in his life until his death, and his jam sessions with Dick, Ed Barlow and his many friends, brought him immense joy until the very end of his life. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at Bliley's, 8510 Staples Mill Road where a Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2002 followed by interment in Signal Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.