Donald Ray Hall

Don grew up in East Tennessee, graduating from Oak Ridge High School. He attended Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky and he was proud to be a Volunteer, graduating from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a degree as a Mechanical Engineer, in 1964. After serving in the Army and Coast Guard, he worked in the Aerospace Industry, specializing in Thermodynamics, most notably with his contributions to NASA’s Apollo space program and the design of the Saturn 5 rocket.

During this time he met and married his wife, Emma Lee Pyle of Birmingham, AL and lived in Atlanta, Ga.

He continued his education by graduating from Mercer University’s Southern School of Pharmacy in 1972. He worked as a retail Pharmacist until retiring in 2009.

Over the years, Don built a life centered around his family and home and guided by his faith. He’s remembered for his kind, gentle disposition, his sense of humor, his generosity and unconditional love for his family and siblings.

A lifelong sports fan, Don enjoyed watching UT Vols Football, Lady Vols and Atlanta Braves. In retirement, he cherished family gatherings for birthdays and holidays at the log home he and his family built on the banks of the Tennessee river.

In his final years, his happiest and proudest moments were in the role of “Papaw” to “Jeddy Bear”, his grandson, Jed.

Don was preceded in death by his son, James Dudley Hall; parents, Dudley Lincoln and Nora Chitwood Hall; sisters, Louise (Robert) Reed, Ruth (Robert) Rymer, Georgia (Arvel) Tyree, Nellie (Ray) Brown; and brother J.D. Hall.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Lee; son, Jonathan Hall; daughter, Shea Hall and son-in-law, Leland Lusk; grandson, Jed; very special niece, Kathy Reed; and numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families.

The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com