Don Hastings
Don Hastings, 84, of Red Bay, passed away Sept. 11 at Marion Regional Nursing Home in Hamilton, Ala. He was born in Tishomingo County, Miss., to Clifton Hastings and Alene Bragg Hastings. He followed in his father’s and uncle’s footsteps and became a brick mason. Don made a lasting impact on Red Bay, Belmont and the surrounding communities with his many contributions both professionally and personally.
He was a very committed and talented brick mason for more than fifty years, and he was proud of the mark he left with all his work including much of the Red Bay School buildings, other local schools, libraries, churches, homes, etc. He also served on the Red Bay City Council from 1992 to 1996 and the Franklin County Commission for two terms, 2008 to 2016.
Don not only poured love and support into his own five children and nine grandchildren, but was also invested in the lives of his large extended family and so many others over the years. He also influenced many through his years of coaching youth football and baseball teams, as well as men’s softball and basketball leagues.
Services will be Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel in Red Bay. Jerry Hastings and Jackie Hastings will officiate and Tyler Hastings will speak. Visitation is Sept. 13, 4-7 p.m. and Sept. 14 from 12-2 p.m. Burial is in Red Bay City Cemetery.
He is survived by his five children, Donnie Hastings, Jr., Mark Hastings (Cindy), Joe Hastings (Amanda), Joanna Allred (Scotty) and Samantha Wadsworth (Eric); nine grandchildren, Kevin Hastings, Hannah Grace Oakley (Matt), Alexia Shaw (Hamp), Tyler Hastings, Hall Hastings (Bryn), Danielle Knoblock (Chase), Ethan Allred, Nolan and Dane Wadsworth; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Hastings Kennedy; nineteen nieces and nephews; twenty-nine great-nieces and nephews; thirty-nine great-great-nieces and nephews; five great-great-great-nieces and nephews and a very special family friend and support, Norma Harris.
He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-one years, Nancy Hallmark Hastings; his parents; three brothers, Charles, Bob and David Hastings; one sister, Joyce Moore and one great-grandson, Roy Hastings Shaw.
Pallbearers are Kevin Hastings, Tyler Hastings, Hall Hastings, Chase Knoblock, Ethan Allred, Hamp Shaw, Nolan Wadsworth and Dane Wadsworth. Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Nelson, Phillip Orrick, Tommy Chandler, Bill Nabers and Steve Bostick.
