Mr. Donald M Niles Jr.

Donald M. Niles, Jr., 85, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, husband of Nancy Hall Niles, passed away September 19, 2026, at Gulfside Hospice Center. He was born August 13, 1941, in Ybor City, Florida, the son of Donald M. Niles, Sr. and Doris Evans Niles Seaton. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Elmer Seaton, and sister, Doris Ann Morrison.

In addition to his wife, Nancy, who he called his beautiful bride for more than 30 years, he is survived by two sons, Donald M. Niles III (wife DeeDee) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jeffrey Scott Niles of New York, New York. He was also blessed with two bonus sons, David Spradlin (wife Emory) of St. Augustine, Florida, and Johnathan Spradlin (wife Marla) of Fort Meade, Florida. Papa Don is also survived by eight grandchildren that he dearly loved: Erin Niles, Taylor Niles, Nicholas Niles, Brian Spradlin, Carson Spradlin (wife Grace), Jordan Spradlin, John David Spradlin, and Addison Spradlin.

Don earned a BS degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Florida. He retired after a 22-year career with the US Postal Service in 2003 and embarked on a second career with the State of Florida Department of Corrections. After retiring from his position as a parole and probation officer, he searched for another way to serve his community and became a crossing guard for the Pasco County School System. He found some of his most rewarding moments and became known as Mr. Don, a special friend to hundreds of elementary school children. Every week his efforts were rewarded with colorful cards and hand drawn pictures from the students. Don became a legend as a Crossing Guard, and in 2017, he had the honor of being named Crossing Guard of the Year for the State of Florida.

Don was a faithful member of Idlewild Baptist church since 1989. He especially enjoyed his Bible study group, Joint Heirs. He was an enthusiastic greeter in the Welcome Center and at the church entrance where he proudly announced that he was a “Doorman for Jesus”.

As his illness progressed, Don spent his last year at the American House where he reclaimed his title of Mr. Don and was often referred to as the mayor. He thrived in the busy environment wither he was first to hit the dance floor for happy hour and became quite a Bingo champion. He enjoyed his many visits from loved ones and considered the staff and other residents to be part of his extended family.

While we are deeply saddened by his loss, we are honored to celebrate the wonderful life that he lived and the impact he had on his community.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gulfside Hospice or Idlewild Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd, Lutz, FL 33548, US, on September 24, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd, Lutz, FL 33548, US, on September 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Graveside service will take place at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4202 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610 on Friday, September 25 at 10am.