Donald Jockisch

Donald “Don” Jockisch lived a life that blended service, skill, and deep family love. Born in Blakely, Georgia, on November 12, 1943, Don passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, leaving a legacy of steady hands, a ready laugh, and countless small works of care that spoke louder than words.

A proud Air Force veteran, Don carried his sense of duty into every role. For many years he managed the commissary with a calm fairness that earned respect from coworkers and customers alike. He graduated high school in Vienna, Georgia, and at home in Deatsville, Alabama, he was known as “Daddy,” & “Paw-Paw”.

Don loved working with wood, tending his garden, and finding quiet joy fishing by the water with his grandkids. A devoted fan of college football, he loved rooting for both Alabama and Georgia. He was quietly generous and always thoughtful, steady as a rock—and with a big, generous heart.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; son Clifford (Amanda) Jockisch (of Deatsville, Alabama); daughter Katie (Dwayne) Childress (of Deatsville, Alabama); Anne Jockisch (mother to Clifford and Katie, of Cheshire, England); children from prior marriage Tabatha Jockisch, Todd Jockisch, Tonya Jockisch, and Thaddeus Jockisch (all of South Dakota); and grandchildren McCabe Jockisch, Romney Jockisch, Dylan Childress, Logan Childress, and Kayleigh Childress (all of Deatsville, Alabama). He was preceded in death by his mother Inez Grimsley, brother Joe Grimsley, and daughter Tiffany Jockisch.

Services: Funeral service at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Rideout’s in Prattville, Alabama, with visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. Graveside service at 11:45 AM on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama; family and friends will be escorted from Ridouts at 10:15 AM to the graveside services.