James “Don” Donald Joines, 87, finished his race on June 14, 2026. Born July 28, 1938, in Portland, TN, Don carried the steady grace of his roots throughout a life marked by devotion, kindness, and a gentle, faithful spirit. A resident of Lebanon, Tennessee, he was beloved and cherished by many—someone whose presence felt like welcome, and whose care for others was offered quietly, thoughtfully, and without condition.
Don graduated from Hume Fogg High School with the Class of 1956, and soon after answered a call to serve, spending 1957–1959 in the United States Army and continuing in the Army Reserves for six years. His sense of duty never seemed to end at the uniform; it simply changed shape—becoming a lifelong habit of showing up, standing watch, and doing what needed doing for the good of others.
That same steadfastness guided his work in security, where he served at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and later retired from the Renaissance Hotel as Director of Security. In roles built on vigilance and responsibility, Don was known not only for reliability, but for the compassionate, calm way he carried authority—loyal, selfless, and quietly protective of the people around him.
Don’s life was also richly lived in the everyday joys: gardening, flowers, and traveling with friends. He adored being with family, and he loved to make people laugh—his humor arriving like light through a window, easy and warm. He had a special way with young children and the “young at heart,” meeting people where they were with a gentle spirit and a kind-hearted ease that made room for belonging.
His faith was not confined to words, but expressed through a devoted life of service. Ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Jackson, TN, in 1967, Don served for many years at First Baptist Church in Donelson, TN, and was presently serving as a lifetime Deacon and Greeter at The Glade Church in Mount Juliet, TN. Doing anything related to the church was never a duty to him—it was a joy, a calling, and a way of loving people well.
Don also gave himself to his community, serving as Wilson County Commissioner from 2009 to 2010, and during his tenure also serving on the AG Committee and the Public Works Committee. He served on the Wilson County Fair Board for many years, offering the same thoughtful steadiness that shaped every part of his life—faithful, devoted, and deeply considerate of the world just beyond his own front door.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Raymond Joines; his mother, Effie Irene (Gettings) Joines; and his brother, Jerry Joines. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Hale Joines; son, Jeffrey Ray Joines (Debbie); daughter, Jill Joines Davet (Jean-Claude); granddaughter, Audrey Smith (Adam); grandson, Cole Joines; great-grandson, Jackson McGriff; great-granddaughter, Ellie Joines; sister, Patsy Litchford (Don); sister-in-law, Judy Joines.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Jones, David Liddle, Bob Wright, Gary Enzfelder, Marvin Lee, Steve Johnson, and Cole Joines. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Gladeville Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at The Glade Church, 9000 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Mount Juliet, TN, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and again on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A Celebration of Don’s Life will follow on Friday at The Glade Church beginning at 1:00 pm with Mayor Randell Huto, Pastor Mark Shatterfield and Marvin Lee officiating. Following the service, Don will be laid to rest in the Garden of Faith at Hermitage Memorial Gardens, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN, at 3:00 pm.
In remembering Don, we remember a life shaped by faithful service and gentle strength—by compassion that did not seek attention, by loyalty that did not waver, and by humor that made burdens feel lighter. He will be missed deeply, and remembered with gratitude by all who were fortunate enough to be welcomed into his steady, thoughtful care.
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