Donald Bittner Redmond

Dr. Donald Bittner Redmond (“Don”) passed away on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at his home in Brookhaven, Georgia. Don was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, colleague, friend, and mentor to many, and he cherished all of his relationships.

Don was born on January 19th, 1968, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Dr. John Bittner and Margaret “Peggy” Redmond. He graduated from Saint Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was not only a strong student but also a standout multi-sport athlete, earning the nickname “A.P.” (“All Pro”) from his many friends and classmates. During his collegiate years, Don majored in Political Science at the University of North Carolina while continuing his athletic pursuits, playing on the UNC junior varsity basketball team, including international competition in Holland.

He went on to fulfill his life’s mission of serving others by earning a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia.

Throughout his career, Don served in multiple organizations supporting at-risk youth and other vulnerable populations. His work included counseling and administrative roles at Hillside Hospital in Atlanta and the Fresh Air Fund in New York. He ultimately found his professional home at Mercer University’s Atlanta campus, where he served as both a Professor of Counseling and Director of the Center for the Study of Narrative (CSN) within the College of Professional Advancement. Don mentored hundreds of students, helping them identify their life stories through the Study Abroad Program and guiding them in digitally documenting their experiences for the Annual Narrative Showcase.

Outside of his professional life, Don loved reading and sports. His passion for reading began early—he read the most books in first grade at Cunningham Elementary and, in second grade, won an author award for his story “The Baseball Player,” featuring a protagonist much like himself who hits a home run to save the day. Don was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Braves, cheering them on through both good years and challenging seasons.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Amy Compton Redmond; his daughter, Alexis Katheryn “Lexi” Redmond; his mother, Margaret “Peggy” Redmond; his brother, John Bittner; his in-laws, Katherine and Ken Compton; his aunt and uncle, Nancy Pegram Redmond and Lance Herning; his aunt and uncle, Michelle and George Bittner; his cousins, Lydia Denworth and Mark Justh and their sons, Jake and Matthew Justh; Christin and Mike Denworth and their sons, Ben and Jamie Denworth; and Brett Bittner.

A memorial service for Don will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. James United Methodist Church, 4400 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30342, followed by a reception immediately after the service.

Don will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to know him as a kind, respectful, and loving person whose presence and energy positively influenced everyone around him. He embodied what it means to be a good human being, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.