He was born June 28, 1945, in Gainesville, Texas to the late Claude Donald Fenley and Lou Rilda Parr Bradford. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings, Claudia Salinas and Johnny Fenley, and niece Lesley Trevino.
He is survived by stepchildren Tara (Ken) Tolbert, Mandy (Ira) Deere, Lane (Thunder) Blevins and Nathan (Virginia) Blevins; step siblings Cathy Chavarria, James Fenley, Cinthia Fenley and Carl Fenley; sister-in-law, Barbara Fenley; brother-in-law, Donny Salinas; grandchildren, Chandler Tolbert, Emmett Deere, Ryleigh Tolbert, Jack Blevins, Isis Miller, and Bowie Blevins. Don is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues.
Don was a proud veteran of the Unites States Army. Ever since high school, Don had a knack for journalism, which led him to a long and distinguished career in journalism at various media outlets. After leaving Kingsport Times-News, he launched a second career, and since 2009, he has served as a Communications/Data Independent Contractor for NETAR, where he was known as the Voice of Real Estate in East Tennessee. His CoreData research blog provides a resource of information for leaders in our community regarding local real estate and economic conditions. Above all, Don took the most pride in being a loving grandfather.
The family will receive friends Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. at East Lawn Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will follow at 6:00 P.M. in the East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel where full military honors will be rendered by the United States Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team. A private burial at Mountain Home National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Don’s memory to the Kingsport Public Library or the United Way of Greater Kingsport.
East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is honored to serve the Fenley family.
